Govt to crack down hard on importers of illegal handsets

The government has embarked on a two-pronged initiative to enhance cyber security by cracking down on illegally imported mobile handsets and boosting efforts for proper SIM registrations.

The move targets unregistered or falsely-registered SIMs and mobile phones imported through unauthorised channels as they are frequently used in criminal activities, said Tarana Halim, the state minister for telecom. 

Legally imported handsets with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers can also help cut theft of the devices, she said.

“We are already working on proper SIM registration in a big way, and will also launch tough action against illegally imported handsets,” Tarana said.

Most of the mobile phones used in criminal activities do not have IMEI numbers, which makes it hard to track the handsets. 

IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to each legal mobile set, and can be used to track the phone's movement. Users can find the IMEI number below the battery or at the back or bottom of the device. Dialing *#06# also reveals the number.

“A combined effort is needed to curb crime and terror activities,” Tarana said.

“We found a good response on the SIM registration issue and hope for the same while ensuring authentic IMEI numbers.”

Law enforcement agencies have frequently raised concerns over the use of falsely-registered SIMs and IMEI-less mobile phones, Tarana added.

The handset industry has been suffering for the past couple of year because of fake IMEIs, and setting up a central IMEI database could help, said Rezwanul Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh Mobile Phone Importers' Association.

“If established, the database will assist customs officials to calculate duty, and consumers will also be able to authenticate IMEIs before buying handsets. Law enforcers could also find it useful,” Haque said. All legally imported handsets already have their IMEIs registered with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, he said.  Bangladesh currently imports more than 2.5 crore mobile handsets every year through legal channels, importers said.

The regulator is also working on formulating a guideline on handset import with regard to proper IMEI numbers, telecom division officials said. Recently, law enforcers confiscated thousands of illegal mobile sets during a raid on Bashundhara City, a large shopping mall in the capital. 

Earlier in August, mobile manufacturer Samsung won an unprecedented writ from the High Court dictating immediate action against illegal import of gadgets.

Hamidul Mishbah, lawyer for Samsung, said the court has ordered the government to ensure only legal import of handsets and the government has already taken some action.