Dhaka, Dec. 2 -- The surge in illegal smartphone imports has reduced domestic sales by 20 percent, prompting the government to plan a comprehensive "tariff restructuring" for both imports and local production, according to Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb.

Speaking at the launch of the Honor Bangladesh factory in Gazipur on Tuesday, the chief advisor's special assistant on IT said the government is committed to supporting the mobile industry and providing positive policy assistance.

"We are working to curb illegal imports of smartphones. From Dec 16, the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) will be activated, and the tariff structure on imports and local manufacturing will be reorganised," he said, assuring additional incentives for firms assem...