Dhaka, Oct. 30 -- Bangladesh is set to introduce mandatory mobile phone registration from Dec 16, raising concerns among users and industry insiders about potential complications and inconveniences.

A central issue is the "de-registration" process for existing handsets, as a SIM registered under one individual's name cannot be used in another device without completing de-registration.

Observers fear that cloned handsets could further complicate this procedure after Chief Advisor's IT Special Assistant Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb announced on Wednesday that the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) will bring every mobile phone in the country under formal registration.

BTRC Chairman Emdad ul Bari and Director General Aminul Haque also spoke...