Dhaka, Nov. 6 -- After the government's implementation of mandatory handset registration, some "grey market" traders have warned that mobile phone prices could rise.

Local manufacturers, however, dismiss these concerns and assure that not a single taka will be added to handset prices. On the contrary, they say full-scale operations in domestic factories could reduce prices and even open opportunities for exports.

These comments came on Wednesday at a press conference at Raowa Convention Centre in Dhaka, organised by the Mobile Industry Owners of Bangladesh (MIOB), where President Jakaria Shahid addressed the media.

From Dec 16, Victory Day, the government will launch the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), which will require e...