Mobile phone traders in Dhaka staged a demonstration on Tuesday by blocking a key road in front of Jamuna Future Park, protesting the government’s plan to implement the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system.

The protest began around 11:45 am, disrupting traffic along the Kuril-Bishwa Road to Rampura route and causing significant congestion on both sides.

The traders, organised under the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), have repeatedly called on authorities to hold discussions with them regarding the NEIR system, which is scheduled to be launched on December 16.

According to the protesters, their requests for dialogue have gone unanswered, prompting the road blockade to draw attention to their concerns.

Traffic authorities have urged commuters to use alternate routes while the demonstration continues.