Mobile Business Community Holds Media Conference, Charges Fayez Ahmad Taiyab

Mobile Business Community, a group of mobile phone retailers, leveled allegations against Fayez Ahmad Taiyab, the chief adviser’s special assistant. The group claimed that police tried to derail their press conference by detaining two people for questioning. The conference, titled “Implementation of NEIR: Concerns and actions of mobile handset traders,” was held today, Wednesday, at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital. Earlier on Tuesday night, the detective branch (DB) picked up the Mobile Business Community’s general secretary and a journalist from their homes for questioning.

Mizanur Rahman Sohel, the online head of Bhorer Kagoj, was released this morning, but the platform’s general secretary, Abu Sayed Piyas, remained in DB custody until the afternoon. Traders said Taiyab was behind the incident, though Taiyab denied involvement, calling it a smear campaign. At the press conference, the Mobile Business Community urged the government to hold discussions with them before rolling out NEIR.

The government plans to launch NEIR on 16 December to curb the use of unregistered mobile handsets and enhance sector security. Once implemented, the system would block unregistered, stolen, or illegally imported phones from operating on the country’s networks. The traders had announced the Wednesday press conference in opposition to the measure. On Tuesday night, ahead of the event, the DB arrested journalist Mizanur and businessman Abu Sayed Piyas from their homes.

Speaking at the press conference, Shamim Molla, senior vice-president of the Mobile Business Community, said, “At 3:03 last night, our general secretary Abu Sayed Piyas was arrested. We understand the motive behind this, and why the DB raided our president Mohammad Aslam’s house.” Although Mizanur was released on Wednesday morning, the press conference noted that authorities were not acknowledging Abu Sayed’s arrest. After his release, Mizanur told Prothom Alo, “Piyas is still in DB custody. We were held together.” Dhaka Metropolitan Police DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam told Prothom Alo that Abu Sayed was indeed at the DB office and they were speaking with him.

Police did not disclose what was discussed, but Mizanur said the questions centered on the Mobile Business Community’s press conference. From DB officers’ remarks, he felt authorities, following higher directions, were trying to prevent the press conference. He said he faced psychological pressure.

At the press conference, leaders said they did not intend to obstruct NEIR but called for a revised implementation plan. They asked for one year to sell their current stock and urged the chief adviser to invite them for talks and to listen to their concerns. They argued the current tax policy would hurt ordinary people and significantly raise mobile phone prices if NEIR were implemented.

Speakers claimed a “syndicate” of mobile handset manufacturers was pushing NEIR hastily. Shamim Molla said, “There is a syndicate; we’ve heard the adviser’s assistant’s name. A few profit-driven syndicates are harming millions to serve their own interests.” He warned of strong protests if the government did not reconsider, asking, “Why should the fate of mobile phones for 200 million people be handed to just 18 licensees?”

After Mizanur’s Tuesday night detention, Taiyab’s name surfaced in social media discussions and subsequent reports. Taiyab, the chief adviser’s special assistant for the ministries of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, denied involvement through a ministry press release quoted by Muhammad Jasim Uddin, the public relations officer. Taiyab stated, “This is based on a motivated Facebook post; blame on me is unwarranted. Law enforcement agencies operate independently, and I have no involvement.” He added, “NEIR is being implemented to maintain state discipline and security, and BTRC has held meetings with affected parties.”

Responding to Taiyab’s statements, Shamim Molla urged him to step back with dignity if involved in such activities and to refrain from tactics that could empower any syndicate to boost profits. Mobile phone traders from markets nationwide attended the press conference.