Phones in Bangladesh have to be registered with their owner’s biometrics – or be blocked.

Biometric Registration Required for Mobile Phones in Bangladesh

In an effort to enhance security and combat illegal activities, Bangladesh has mandated the biometric registration of all mobile phones. Devices not registered by July 1, 2021, will face a temporary block from accessing mobile networks after a three-month grace period, as per the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Implementation of the NEIR System

The BTRC has initiated the National Equipment Identification Registrar (NEIR) database to enforce this requirement. This system necessitates linking device details, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number and the mobile subscription identification number (MSISDN), with the owner’s biometric data. This comprehensive database aims to curb the illegal importation of phones, reduce theft and cloning risks, secure customer information, and facilitate the tracing of criminal activities linked to mobile devices.

Registration Process and Compliance Measures

Owners must register their new devices and SIM cards to align with these regulations, reports The Daily Star. Post the July deadline, users of unregistered devices will receive an SMS notification offering a three-month extension to comply. After this extension, unregistered devices will be rendered incapable of supporting any SIM card functionality, effectively blocking network access.

Broader Context and International Comparisons

This measure mirrors global trends where several nations, particularly those with stringent security policies, have adopted biometric registration for mobile phone users. However, similar initiatives have faced challenges; for example, Mexico’s Supreme Court recently halted a comparable biometric phone registration mandate.

As Bangladesh moves forward with its NEIR system, developed in partnership with local tech firm Synesis IT, it joins a growing list of countries enforcing stringent controls over mobile device registration to enhance national security and reduce crime.

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