High Court Orders Probe into Online Gambling Ads and Betting

The High Court has directed the formation of an investigative committee comprising experts to submit a report within 90 days on online gambling. The court also ordered the creation of a seven-member committee to take action against advertisements and promotions of online gambling and betting sites through social media and mainstream media by celebrities.

The order was passed on Sunday, April 27, following a preliminary hearing of a writ petition filed by Tanzeem Rafid, a resident of Kakrail, Dhaka. The bench, comprising Justice Fatema Nazib and Justice Shikder Mahmudur Razi, issued a rule along with the directive.

During the hearing, the petitioner's lawyer, Mahin M. Rahman, explained that the committee will consult with experts to conduct an investigation within 90 days. The investigation will identify how online gambling is being operated, who is involved, and what measures are required to curb it. The committee is tasked with submitting their findings within the stipulated time, after which the court will issue further orders.

The rule also sought clarification on why the promotion of online gambling/betting games by popular celebrities on social and mainstream media platforms should not be declared illegal, and why immediate action should not be taken to halt the advertisement of online gambling/betting games.

The court directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Public Security Division), the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the Inspector General of Police, and the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Bangladesh Bank to respond to the rule.

Earlier, on April 16, Supreme Court lawyer Tanzeem Rafid filed the writ petition seeking action to stop online gambling and betting advertisements and promotions through social media and mainstream media by celebrities. Following the hearing, the High Court passed this order.

The petition further requested the High Court to direct the government to form a committee of experts to find a permanent solution to the issue. Lawyer Mahin M. Rahman stated that, according to Bangladesh's laws and constitution, gambling and betting are prohibited.