Illegal phones dominate 60% of Bangladesh market

Bangladesh’s mobile market is now about 60% controlled by illicit handsets, putting billions of taka at risk in lawful investments and costing the state roughly Tk 2,000 crore in annual revenue.

At a press briefing in Dhaka’s RAOWA Convention Hall on Wednesday (November 5), the Mobile Phone Industry Owners’ Association of Bangladesh said grey imports and unregistered devices are undermining fair competition and aiding financial fraud.

The association noted that local handset manufacturing began in 2017 and now counts around 17 factories run by domestic and foreign firms. These producers have invested more than Tk 2,500 crore and created over 100,000 jobs.

An allied components ecosystem—encompassing packaging, batteries, chargers, earphones, and data cables—has attracted at least Tk 1,500 crore in investment and employs a further 50,000–60,000 people. 

Approximately 20,000 authorised retailers support around 80,000 jobs, with direct employment spanning production and distribution, reaching roughly 160,000. An estimated 800,000 Bangladeshis depend on the sector, including family members.

Industry leaders warned that illegal phones fuel unhealthy competition and criminal activity that is difficult to trace. 

They welcomed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s plan to activate the National Equipment Identity Register on December 16, which will block the use of illicit or unregistered devices and help restore order, protect consumers and secure government revenue.