BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that a future BNP government will review all policies that contradict a free-market economy, including National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy.

“If BNP comes to power, NEIR policy will definitely be reviewed. Changes will be made after consulting all stakeholders. We will also examine every policy of previous Awami League government or the current administration that undermines free-market principles,” he said while speaking at a roundtable titled “NEIR: Implementation Framework, National Interest and Citizen Concerns,” organized by Centre for Technology Journalism (CTJ) at Hotel Sarina in Dhaka on Sunday.

Khasru questioned the rising prices of essential products and the outcomes of major government investments, particularly in the digital sector.

“Why should basic products be expensive? What is the result of the Tk 67,000 crore investment in Digital Bangladesh? Those assembling mobile phones are gaining undue benefits while contributing limited value,” he noted.

He warned that policies favouring specific syndicates create monopolies and harm businesses.

“If monopoly opportunities continue, they will dominate all traders. Already, some are taking 50 percent higher profits in the name of assembling. Full control by pushing other traders out would have severe consequences,” Khasru added.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon echoed the concerns, saying national policies must prioritize the interests of the state and its citizens.

“Policies cannot be designed to benefit a particular group or fill someone’s pocket,” he said.

Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki criticized NEIR for threatening small and medium enterprises.

“Where employment is already limited, NEIR is putting existing employers at risk. Unilateral decisions without stakeholder consultation reflect the same autocratic tendencies of previous regimes,” he said.

The roundtable was attended by representatives from BACCO, ISPAB, BASIS, The Business Standard, Bangladesh Mobile Phone Dealers Association and other industry stakeholders.

CTJ President Zakir Hossain, also Associate Editor of the daily Samakal, presented the keynote paper.