DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The government today announced a major reduction in mobile phone import duties and approved the legalization of stock-lot handsets imported within the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)-stipulated timeframe, accepting all reasonable and justified demands related to the sector.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Advisory Council, said an official release.

According to the decision, customs duty on mobile phone imports has been reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent, marking a cut of nearly 60 percent. Compared to cars, electrical equipment and computers, mobile phone imports have received a notably higher duty reduction, reflecting their essential role in daily life.

Alongside the duty cut, the government decided that mobile phones imported within the time period fixed by the BTRC and currently held by traders will be approved in the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system as stock-lots without imposing any additional customs duty. 

As a result, all reasonable demands related to duty rationalization and the legalization of phones already in the market have been accepted.

The revised structure also lowers customs duty for domestic mobile phone manufacturers from 10 percent to 5 percent, a 50 percent reduction. 

Officials said the move is expected to encourage both lawful imports and domestic production, while helping bring handset prices down to a more affordable level for consumers.

Although there were opinions against reducing import duties in order to promote local manufacturing, the government said it considered prevailing realities and decided to reduce customs duty by 60 percent. 

The decision is expected to result in a revenue loss of around Tk 350 million in the current fiscal year.

The move comes amid heightened concern over digital security following the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, an incident that triggered nationwide alarm after investigators reportedly found 17 active SIM cards in possession of the accused. 

In this context, law enforcement agencies have strongly emphasized the need for effective implementation of NEIR and reducing the number of SIM cards per individual.

The government reiterated that it had earlier pledged to enforce NEIR only after making import duties more reasonable. With today's cabinet decision, that commitment has been fulfilled, and the government is now fully prepared to implement NEIR.

Considering humanitarian aspects, the government decided that mobile phones used by expatriate Bangladeshis will not be blocked for three months after their return home. Those staying in the country for less than three months will not require registration, while registration will be mandatory for stays exceeding three months.

Similarly, mobile phones used by general consumers will not be blocked for the next three months, and traders' stock-lot phones will be regularized. For this purpose, BTRC will only need to be provided with a list of valid handset identification numbers.

In this reality, the government said it must be clearly stated that all legitimate and reasonable demands have been accepted. Import duties have been 
reduced, and phones currently in the market have been given an opportunity to be brought under the legal framework.

However, the government warned that those involved in attacks and vandalism at the BTRC premises are not above the law. All individuals involved in such 
disgraceful and anti-state activities will be identified and brought to justice through due legal process.

At the same time, strict drives will begin at all land ports, airports and customs houses across the country to prevent illegal import of mobile phones. 
Authorities also said that, if necessary, operations will be conducted at wholesale markets and customs points to seize illegally imported and sold 
handsets.

Officials emphasized that NEIR is crucial for digital security as well as for ensuring a fair electoral environment. To prevent misuse of SIMs, databases 
and the NEIR system, strict protective provisions have been incorporated into the new telecommunications ordinance, with tough penalties prescribed for any 
form of abuse.

The government urged all concerned to comply with the law, warning that violations related to illegal import, sale or misuse of mobile phones will 
invite strict legal action.