Mobile Business Community Bangladesh, a group representing grey market mobile traders, has called on the government to make import taxes on mobile phones more reasonable. The appeal was made on Sunday at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha, where the group also accused a nine-member syndicate, including Smart Technologies Limited’s managing director Md. Zahirul Islam, of manipulating the system related to mobile registration and import.

At the event, representatives including Golam Mahfuz Jony from Jamuna Future Park said traders want to contribute to national revenue if fair tax policies are introduced. They argued that current measures unfairly label them as illegal traders and harm consumers who rely on affordable used phones. The group also demanded the release of detained traders and warned of unrest if further arrests occur.

Speakers further alleged irregularities in implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), claiming it poses national security risks because data may be stored abroad. They urged the government to ensure any implementation is handled domestically, even suggesting military oversight if necessary.