The Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) has called on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to postpone the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) by six months to a year.

Following a meeting with the BTRC chairman, MBCB President Md Aslam said the chairman promised to present their concerns to top government officials during a meeting scheduled for 6pm today, after which further decisions would be communicated.

MBCB representatives added that they would continue their demonstration outside the BTRC office until the meeting concludes.

Earlier in the day, mobile phone traders held a sit-in in front of the BTRC building, and another group blocked the Agargaon intersection, causing traffic delays.

The protesters are demanding changes to the NEIR system and permission for unrestricted mobile phone imports.

The NEIR, set to be implemented on December 16, aims to detect and disable stolen or unauthorised devices using their unique IMEI numbers.

Demonstrators claim the system will harm hundreds of thousands of traders and their families nationwide. They also allege that the policy favors certain businesses and will lead to higher mobile phone prices due to added taxes and restrictions.