‘Traders involved in BTRC building attack to be brought to justice’

Faiz Taiyeb Ahmad, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser responsible for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, said mobile traders who vandalised the BTRC building will be brought under the law.

He made the remarks on Sunday (January 4) after inspecting the BTRC building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Postal and Telecommunications Secretary Abdun Naser, ICT Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, and BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari were also present.

Tayyeb said that in response to mobile traders’ demands, customs duties had been reduced, and provisions had been made to legalise handsets brought in through tax evasion. “Yet, the mobile traders continue to keep their shops closed and block roads, seeking a license for committing crimes through disorderly conduct,” he added.

He further stated that even though customs duties on legally imported mobile phones had been reduced, the BTRC building was still attacked. “Those involved will face legal action. If such activities continue, the government will take necessary steps to control them,” he said.

During the inspection, he assessed the damage to the BTRC building, and Chairman Emdadul Bari briefed him on the losses incurred.

Meanwhile, mobile traders also staged a blockade in Karwan Bazar on Sunday morning, protesting the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) programme and demanding action against illegal syndicates.