State Minister for Post and Telecommunications Tarana Halim today said that the government has started the registration of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of all handsets being imported into the country.

“Within a very short time, illegal imports of all mobile phone devices and other gadgets will be curbed through the registration process and it will ensure the security of the users,” the minister said while exchanging views with Telecom Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB) in Dhaka.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a unique identification or serial number that all mobile phones and smartphones have.

The minister also said that the government is determined to launch 4G services by December this year.