Asif Nazrul Refutes Claims About Expatriate Workers’ Mobile Phones

Bangladesh’s expatriate workers will now enjoy expanded mobile phone import privileges under the interim government’s revised policy, according to Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, who addressed widespread misinformation circulating on social media regarding the matter.

In a detailed statement posted on his verified Facebook account, Dr. Nazrul clarified that the government has actually increased benefits for overseas workers rather than imposing new restrictions as claimed by online rumors.

“The incumbent government has allowed them to bring more phone sets. Expatriate workers can now bring two new sets with their used one,” Dr. Nazrul explained, directly countering false claims that the administration had imposed new taxes on all imported devices.

The policy represents a significant improvement from regulations under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which permitted workers to import only one new mobile phone along with their used device. Under the revised rules, expatriates will only face taxation if they exceed the two-new-phone allowance.

Dr. Nazrul emphasized that this enhanced privilege specifically applies to workers who have gone abroad through official channels with proper clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), which falls under his ministry’s jurisdiction. For other travelers, previous import regulations remain in effect.

The policy adjustment comes as Bangladesh seeks to support its vital overseas workforce while balancing revenue needs. Remittances from expatriate workers represent one of Bangladesh’s largest sources of foreign currency, with over 13 million Bangladeshis working abroad sending approximately $22 billion annually, according to recent central bank data.

The adviser also addressed separate concerns regarding mobile phone registration requirements, clarifying that all new devices—regardless of owner—must be registered within 60 days of activation starting December 16. This measure applies universally to residents and returning expatriates alike.

“This law has been made to prevent kidnapping, threats, extortion, and gambling in the country and abroad using illegal sets,” Dr. Nazrul stated, framing the registration requirement as a security measure rather than a punitive action. “This law has not been made to harass anyone but to protect them from harassment.”

Industry analysts note that these regulations align with Bangladesh’s broader efforts to formalize its telecommunications sector and combat the grey market for mobile devices. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has been working to implement a comprehensive device registration system that can track all active mobile phones in the country.

Dr. Nazrul expressed frustration at what he characterized as deliberate misinformation campaigns, noting that some social media accounts have gone as far as claiming “expatriates can stay in the country for only 60 days,” a statement he described as an “unbelievable” falsehood.

The adviser urged expatriate workers to verify information through official channels and warned against spreading rumors, invoking religious principles by stating that “spreading rumours and backbiting are major sins according to Islam.”

Bangladesh’s interim government, which took power following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s administration earlier this year, has been actively working to address concerns of expatriate workers, who represent a significant constituency and economic driver for the South Asian nation.

The clarification comes amid the government’s broader efforts to streamline regulations affecting overseas workers while combating the spread of misinformation during the country’s political transition period.