Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has declared that a future BNP government will re-evaluate all policies that oppose a free-market economy. Chowdhury emphasized that if the BNP comes to power, the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy will be among those reviewed and potentially altered after consultations with stakeholders.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chowdhury expressed his concerns during a roundtable titled 'NEIR: Implementation Framework, National Interest and Citizen Concerns' organized by the Centre for Technology Journalism (CTJ) at Hotel Sarina. He questioned the rationale behind rising product prices and the outcomes of significant government investments, highlighting issues such as the cost of essential products and the Tk 67,000 crore investment for Digital Bangladesh. Chowdhury criticized the undue advantages gained by those assembling mobile phones, who he argued contribute limited value.
He further warned that policies favoring particular syndicates damage businesses and foster monopolies. Chowdhury stated, "If monopoly business opportunities continue, they will control all businessmen. Already, some are taking 50 percent more benefits in the name of assembling. If they take full control by pushing other traders out, the consequences will be harmful."
BNP Chairperson's Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon shared similar sentiments, asserting that national policies must prioritize the interests of the state and its citizens. He stated, "Policies cannot be made to benefit a specific group or to fill someone's pocket."
Adding to the discourse, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki criticized NEIR for endangering small and medium entrepreneurs by risking existing employment. He argued that unilateral decisions made without stakeholder consultation mirror the autocratic tendencies of previous governments.
The roundtable saw participation from representatives of various industry stakeholders, including BACCO, ISPAB, BASIS, The Business Standard, and Bangladesh Mobile Phone Dealers Association. CTJ President and Associate Editor of the Bengali daily Samakal, Zakir Hossain, presented the keynote paper at the event.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha