Mobile phone traders who staged a blockade at the Karwan Bazar intersection on Wednesday evening have withdrawn their demonstration after several hours.
The traders had obstructed the busy intersection to press for reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system, bringing traffic to a halt and causing severe congestion for homebound commuters across the Tejgaon and Farmgate areas.
According to police, vehicular movement came to a complete standstill during the blockade, which created long tailbacks on surrounding roads.
The protest began around 6:30pm, when traders from various markets in Panthapath and Elephant Road marched to Karwan Bazar and occupied the roads near the SAARC Fountain.
Witnesses said protesters set fire to tires, halting vehicular movement along several adjoining roads.
The demonstrators chanted slogans calling for changes to the NEIR system and sought extended scope for selling unofficial mobile phones.
Meanwhile, following a meeting at the Secretariat involving handset manufacturers, BTRC officials, and mobile business representatives, Mobile Business Community Bangladesh President Md Aslam said that although the NEIR system will be fully enforced from 16 December, traders will be allowed to sell unofficial phones until March. Phones purchased during this period will be automatically registered and will not face network restrictions. After March, no unofficial handset sales will be permitted.
Regarding the ongoing protest, Aslam said a decision on withdrawing the movement would be announced after further discussions with stakeholders.
