Dhaka, Jan. 1 -- The launch of the National Equipment Identification Register (NEIR) has been met with attack and vandalism at the BTRC office in Agargaon.

The service was kicked off as part of mandatory mobile handset registration on Thursday.

In protest, mobile traders resorted to violence in the afternoon as police struggled to control the sudden unrest, with bricks and stones reportedly thrown.

Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner Ibn-e-Mizan said, "They launched an abrupt attack, hurling bricks. We are trying to manage the situation."

A BTRC employee says they were offering Asr prayers when they heard the sound of bricks being thrown from outside.

Around 5pm, several teams of the Army arrive at the scene and bring the situation ...