BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 7, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that a future BNP government will review all policies that go against a free-market economy. 

“If BNP comes to power, the NEIR (National Equipment Identity Register) policy will definitely be reviewed. The policy will be changed after consulting all stakeholders. We will review every policy of the previous Awami League government or the current administration that contradicts free market principles,” he said.

Speaking at a roundtable titled “NEIR: Implementation Framework, National Interest and Citizen Concerns” organized by the Centre for Technology Journalism (CTJ) at Hotel Sarina in the capital today. 

Khasru questioned the logic behind rising product prices and the outcomes of major government investments, saying, “Why should essential products be expensive? What is the result of the TK 67,000 crore investment for Digital Bangladesh? Those assembling mobile phones are gaining undue benefits while contributing limited value.”

He warned that policies favouring specific syndicates harm businesses and create monopolies. 

“If monopoly business opportunities continue, they will control all businessmen. Already, some are taking 50 percent more benefits in the name of assembling. If they take full control by pushing other traders out, the consequences will be harmful,” he also said.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon echoed similar concerns, stating that any national policy must prioritize the interest of the state and its people. 

“Policies cannot be made to benefit a specific group or to fill someone’s pocket,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki criticized NEIR for jeopardizing small and medium entrepreneurs.

“Where there is already a lack of employment, NEIR is putting existing employers at risk. Unilateral decisions without stakeholder consultation reflect the same autocratic tendencies of previous regimes,” he said. 

The roundtable was attended by representatives from BACCO, ISPAB, BASIS, The Business Standard, Bangladesh Mobile Phone Dealers Association, and other industry stakeholders.

CTJ President and Associate Editor of the Bengali daily Samakal Zakir Hossain presented the keynote paper at the event.