Bangladesh’s interim government legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has clarified confusion among expatriates regarding the import of mobile phones from abroad. In a Facebook post on December 8, he explained that migrant workers can now bring two new mobile phones in addition to their personal set without paying tax, an increase from the previous limit of one. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) amended the baggage rules to provide this benefit specifically for workers registered through the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

Nazrul dismissed claims circulating on social media that the government had imposed new discriminatory taxes or registration requirements targeting expatriates. He emphasized that from December 16, all users in Bangladesh—locals and expatriates alike—must register any new mobile phone within 60 days of activation to curb illegal device use linked to crimes such as extortion or kidnapping.

He urged expatriates to remain alert against misinformation, calling rumor-spreading a serious moral offense, and assured that further clarifications on related issues would be provided soon.