All Mobile Markets Closed, Including Bashundhara City, Shoppers Face Hardship

Shoppers across Dhaka are facing major inconvenience as mobile phone markets remain closed today. On Wednesday afternoon, the mobile market at Bashundhara City was found shut, leaving customers stranded outside.

Crowds of buyers who traveled from various parts of the city arrived at major markets, including Bashundhara City, only to discover that the stores were closed. Many had come for mobile servicing or to buy new phones but had to leave without receiving the services they needed. Similar scenes were reported at Motijheel Plaza and Star Plaza.

Sabiha Sharmin, who came from Azimpur to purchase a phone, told reporters, “I came to Bashundhara City to buy a phone. Even though the city itself is open, the mobile market is closed. I don’t understand why. Like others, I have no choice but to leave.”

Reason Behind the Strike

The closure across the country has been called by the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), a trade organization for smartphone and gadget sellers. At a press conference titled “Implementation of NEIR: Concerns and Recommendations from Mobile Handset Businesses” held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, the organization announced the strike.

The protest follows the overnight detention of MBCB General Secretary Abu Saeed Pias and journalist Mizanur Rahman by the Detective Branch (DB). Business owners protested outside the DB office earlier in the day. Both were later released—Mizanur Rahman in the morning and Abu Saeed Pias in the evening.

Several members of MBCB expressed anger, saying, “Taking someone without charges is unacceptable. We are businesspeople. Why put pressure on us this way? Authorities should sit with us, discuss, and make decisions together. Forcing 20-25 thousand businesses to shut down achieves nothing.”

Concerns Over Price Hikes

The MBCB has warned that implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) under current tax policies could increase mobile phone prices significantly, making devices less affordable for ordinary consumers.

Mohammad Kamal Hossain, owner of Saime Plus, told reporters, “We are deeply concerned about the proposed 57% VAT and other taxes on imported ‘luggage’ phones. Around 30,000–35,000 business owners sell these phones, which are legitimate and not counterfeit. Imposing high taxes will push prices beyond reach and may encourage illegal imports, reducing government revenue.”

He added that nine registered companies cannot meet the full demand for popular brands. Small-margin sales of imported phones help retailers cover rent and salaries. He urged authorities to consult with experienced business owners and reduce VAT and taxes through peaceful discussions, benefiting both the government and traders.

Government NEIR Initiative

The government plans to launch the NEIR system from 16 December to curb the use of unregistered phones and ensure telecom security. Once implemented, only registered devices will work on the country’s mobile networks, and stolen or illegally imported phones will be blocked.