Crackdown Commences: Government Launches Action Against Online Gambling
Advisor on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, has announced the initiation of a nationwide crackdown on online gambling. He shared the update through a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday.
In his post, he wrote, “More than a thousand mobile banking accounts involved in gambling have already been identified, and the process of shutting them down has begun. If you know of any gambling-related bank or mobile accounts, please report them immediately.”
He further stated, “Gambling in cyberspace is prohibited. In the interest of public welfare, the government has outlawed all forms of gambling and related activities in cyberspace under Section 20 of the new Cyber Security Ordinance. This includes developing, operating, or promoting any gambling portal, app, or device, as well as participating in or encouraging gambling through advertisements or any direct or indirect promotion—each of which is now a punishable offense.”
According to Sections 21 and 22 of the ordinance, any financial transaction made for gambling purposes, including fraud or deception related to gambling, is also prohibited. “Participating in any advertisement related to gambling is a criminal offense for Bangladeshi citizens,” he emphasized. “If any citizen or public figure finds their image or video used on a gambling website or portal without consent, they are encouraged to take legal action.”
He advised those who have previously engaged in gambling or gambling-related advertising to withdraw immediately. “Victims of gambling-related scams or fraud have the right to file lawsuits and claim compensation from the offending companies under Section 30 of the law.”
The government urges all citizens to refrain from any form of gambling or associated activities in cyberspace and to report any individuals or organizations involved in such offenses to law enforcement.
“Gambling is a social menace,” he added. “Many have lost everything due to online gambling, and some have even been driven to suicide. The government is seeking the public's utmost cooperation to eliminate gambling from cyberspace.”
He revealed that more than 1,100 agents linked to gambling have already been identified and that legal proceedings are underway. "Any mobile financial service (MFS) agent, bank, or financial institution found to be involved will face severe legal consequences, including fines of up to Tk 1 crore," he warned.
The government’s crackdown will continue, targeting not only gamblers and operators but also mobile financial systems, MFS agents, banks, insurance companies, crypto brokers, and hundi-linked accounts involved directly or indirectly in gambling or financial scams.
Citizens are encouraged to report any such accounts or operations by email at [email protected].
