Asif Nazrul Refutes Claims Regarding Expatriate Workers’ Mobile Phones

Bangladesh’s Adviser Clarifies Mobile Phone Rules for Expatriate Workers

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has publicly denounced what he describes as false information circulating on social media regarding the government’s policies on mobile phone imports by Bangladeshi expatriate workers.

In a detailed Facebook post on Sunday, Dr. Nazrul addressed what he called deliberate misinformation about the current administration’s approach to mobile phone regulations, particularly those affecting the country’s substantial overseas workforce.

“Some people on social media are now spreading rumors that expatriates are being treated unfairly and discriminated against over their mobile phone sets,” wrote Dr. Nazrul in his statement. He proceeded to clarify the actual policy changes that have recently been implemented.

According to Dr. Nazrul, contrary to claims that the government has introduced new restrictive measures, the interim administration has actually expanded allowances for returning workers. Under the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina, expatriate workers could bring only one new phone set in addition to their used device without incurring taxes.

The current administration has increased this allowance to two new sets plus one used device for qualified expatriate workers. Dr. Nazrul emphasized that taxes would apply only if a traveler exceeds this generous allowance by bringing additional new devices.

He clarified that these enhanced benefits specifically apply to workers who have gone abroad through proper channels with clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), which falls under the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare. For other travelers, the previous importation rules remain in effect.

The policy change comes as Bangladesh continues to rely heavily on remittances from its estimated 13 million citizens working abroad. These workers, primarily employed in Middle Eastern countries, Singapore, Malaysia, and elsewhere, sent home approximately $22 billion in the last fiscal year, making remittances one of the country’s largest sources of foreign currency.

Dr. Nazrul also addressed concerns about mobile phone registration requirements. Starting December 16, all mobile phone users in Bangladesh, including returning expatriates, will need to register new devices within 60 days of beginning to use them. This requirement applies universally to all residents and visitors in Bangladesh.

“This law has been made to prevent kidnapping, threats, extortion, and gambling in the country and abroad using illegal sets,” Dr. Nazrul explained. “This law has not been made to harass anyone but to protect them from harassment.”

The registration requirement aligns with efforts by many countries to maintain digital security by tracking mobile devices through their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, helping authorities combat technology-facilitated crimes.

In his statement, Dr. Nazrul also expressed frustration at what he described as absurd claims circulating online, including the false assertion that expatriates would be limited to staying in Bangladesh for only 60 days.

“See how far the rumor has gone,” he wrote. “Prevent all these heinous lies.”

The interim government, which took power in August following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests, has been working to establish its policy directions while addressing economic challenges including inflation and foreign currency shortages.

For Bangladesh’s expatriate community, which constitutes a significant economic and social force, accurate information about customs regulations and technology policies remains crucial as many plan their periodic returns home, especially during upcoming holiday seasons.