Mobile handsets with fake International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers will not be able to use Bangladesh’s mobile network after a certain period as the telecom regulator looks to crack down on illegal imports and duty evasion.

Rab claims to have arrested two persons with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number altered stolen mobile phones and IMEI changing devices in Gulistan area of Dhaka.

About 30 percent of the 10 crore mobile handsets currently in use in Bangladesh were imported illegally, said the telecom regulator

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will start to work from tomorrow to launch the service called International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI) database.

State Minister for Post and Telecommunications Tarana Halim says that the government has started the registration of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of all handsets being imported into the country.