Dhaka, March 10 -- Stopping the illegal import of mobile phones has become a major challenge for Bangladeshi policymakers as it is depriving the country of a staggering Tk 1,200 crore in revenue every year since it has emerged, according to mobile phone importers.

They estimate that about 2.5 million handsets, worth around Tk 3,000 crore, are brought in illegally every year.

Bangladesh Mobile Phone Importers' Association (BMPIA) says most of the illegal imports are refurbished Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi products.

At least 30 percent of the country's Tk 10,000 crore handset market is dominated by illegally imported phones, BMPIA reveals.

It says about 2.76 crore handsets are imported legally every year.

But sources at the Bangladesh Te...