Dhaka, Jan. 7 -- Local mobile handset manufacturers have rejected allegations that they are raising prices by exploiting the implementation of the National Equipment Identification Register (NEIR), dismissing claims of cartelisation made by a section of retailers and traders.

The issue has sparked debate on social media, with some retailers and traders alleging that domestic manufacturers are taking advantage of the government-backed registration system to push up prices.

Leaders of the Mobile Phone Industry Owners' Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) denied the allegations at a press conference held at a city hotel on Tuesday, instead claiming that they are incurring losses.

They said global prices of mobile handset components have incre...