Dhaka: The government has announced the initiation of legal proceedings against more than 1,100 agents involved in online gambling activities. In a recent statement, the government emphasized its commitment to tackling illegal gambling, stating that stringent measures will also target mobile financing agents, banks, and other financial institutions linked to these activities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has urged immediate reporting of any involvement in online gambling by mobile banking services, regular banking institutions, financial agents, distributors, crypto brokers, and hundi account holders. Reports can be submitted via [email protected]. This move comes as part of the enforcement of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, designed to safeguard public interests in cyberspace.
The Ordinance explicitly bans gambling and all related activities as per Section 20. It criminalizes the creation or operation of gambling portals or apps, participation in advertisements promoting gambling, and any direct or indirect involvement in advertising gambling. Sections 21 and 22 further prohibit financial transactions related to gambling, as well as any fraudulent activities associated with it.
The government has also urged individuals previously involved in gambling or its advertisements to cease these activities immediately. Victims of gambling-related fraud are permitted to seek legal recourse and compensation under Section 30 of the Ordinance.
The public is encouraged to abstain from gambling and to report any gambling-related activities in cyberspace to law enforcement. Violators of these regulations face penalties, including up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk one crore, or both. Additionally, professionals and entities such as advertising companies, media buyers, and advertisers linked to online gambling will also face legal actions.