Mobile phone traders blocked major intersections at Karwan Bazar and Farmgate on Sunday morning, launching a nationwide shutdown to protest the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR).
The protesters, organized under Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), are demanding a postponement of the NEIR system and the release of colleagues arrested following a recent clash at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building.
MBCB Vice President Shamim Mollah reported that police detained six to seven protesters shortly after the blockade began. Despite the arrests, Mollah remained defiant.
"We will continue the blockade," Mollah said. "We will remain on the streets until our demands are met."
By 11:50 a.m., protesters had staged a sit-in near the Sonargaon intersection. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans such as, "Fascism has left; why this torture now?" and "Withdraw NEIR."
The MBCB previously announced that mobile phone shops across the country will remain closed indefinitely until the government addresses their grievances.
