Legal Notice Lands on Authorities to Halt Hazardous Online Gambling
A legal notice has been served to the government urging immediate action to shut down all websites, links, and gateways related to online gambling in Bangladesh. The notice also calls for legal investigations and action against celebrities promoting such platforms, mobile financial service providers, and scheduled banks allegedly involved in monetary transactions related to online betting.
The notice was issued on Tuesday, 15 April, by Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallob on behalf of the human rights organization Law and Life Foundation Trust.
Citing the alarming spread of online gambling, the notice was sent via email to the Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the Financial Intelligence Unit of Bangladesh Bank, and the Inspector General of Police.
The notice states that, “According to existing laws and the Constitution of Bangladesh, all forms of gambling are illegal and constitute a criminal offense. However, due to the inaction of concerned authorities, online gambling has taken the shape of an epidemic in Bangladesh.”
Referring to reports published in various national newspapers, the notice claims that nearly five million people in Bangladesh are addicted to online gambling. With easy access to smartphones and the internet, children, along with adults, are becoming increasingly involved in gambling. As a result, countless individuals are facing financial ruin.
Foreign gambling platforms are allegedly partnering with local syndicates to launder thousands of crores of taka out of the country. Renowned Bangladeshi celebrities and showbiz personalities are reportedly promoting gambling ads on their social media profiles in exchange for money. Several television channels and online media outlets have also been accused of running gambling-related advertisements.
According to media reports, public figures such as cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, models Peya Jannatul and Shabnom Bubly, Samira Khan Mahi, Nusrat Faria, Mahiya Mahi, and Apu Biswas have promoted online gambling on their personal Facebook pages. Popular gambling platforms like 1xBet operate through mobile banking and local bank cards, with the involvement of mobile banking agents.
The notice deems the situation highly concerning and in urgent need of government intervention.
It further recalls that gambling was outlawed during British rule through legislation passed in 1867. Sections 92 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976, and Sections 294A and 294B of the Penal Code classify gambling as a punishable offense. Additionally, Article 18(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh obliges the state to prevent all forms of gambling. Sections 29 and 30 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, also mandate the state to ensure safe and lawful internet and telecommunication services.
“Unfortunately, the failure of relevant authorities to enforce these laws has allowed the internet and telecom infrastructure to become saturated with obscene, harmful, and illegal content,” the notice states.
To curb the spread of online gambling, the legal notice outlines five proposals:
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Immediate shutdown or blocking of all links, websites, gateways, and applications related to online gambling.
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Regulatory action to ensure that Google and other internet companies do not advertise or promote gambling content.
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Legal investigation and action against celebrities promoting gambling, mobile financial services, and scheduled banks facilitating related transactions.
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Ensuring that gambling-related sites, apps, or links cannot be accessed through social media platforms including Google, Facebook, YouTube, X, and WhatsApp.
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Formation of a special monitoring cell to oversee and take punitive action against those involved in online gambling.
The notice concludes by warning that if prompt legal action is not taken, Law and Life Foundation Trust will file a writ petition with the High Court in the public interest.
