Mobile phone traders under the banner of Mobile Business Community Bangladesh staged protest marches and human chains across the country on Thursday, pressing three key demands.
The protesters called for reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register system introduced by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission on January 1, a reduction in VAT on used mobile phone imports, and the immediate release of arrested traders.
In the capital, the protest began in front of Bashundhara City at Panthapath, where traders also formed a human chain.
Similar demonstrations were held in Mirpur, Gulistan, in front of Jamuna Future Park, as well as in Naogaon, Chattogram and several other parts of the country.
Addressing the protesters, MBCB leaders alleged traders and their families were being harassed, describing the situation as intolerable and authoritarian.
The protesters demanded the release of arrested mobile phone traders.
They said they were willing to pay taxes but argued that the current tax structure was unrealistic.
‘We have been charged a 43 per cent tax, which is impossible to pay. We want VAT reform at any cost,’ they said.
The leaders also claimed that the NEIR system was launched without proper guidelines or prior consultation with traders, raising concerns over transparency.
They warned that tougher protests would follow if the authorities failed to initiate dialogue by Sunday.
A consumer who visited Motalib Plaza for service, requesting anonymity, said the ongoing movement has created serious obstacles to purchasing new handsets, receiving warranty services, repairing phones and obtaining spare parts.
MBCB vice-president Shamim Mollah told New Age that the traders remain firm on their demands.
‘We want to sit for discussions with the relevant stakeholders, but there has been no response so far,’ he said.
He added that the mobile phone market has remained closed for the past 15 consecutive days.
‘If there is no response, we will be forced to launch larger protests. We want to pay taxes, but not at the rate of 43 per cent,’ he said.
Regarding public suffering caused by the shutdown, he said traders are committed to public service.
‘If the government heeds our demands, we will reopen our shops immediately. The shutdown has seriously hampered our business as well,’ he added.
