Bangladesh Begins Battle Against Online Betting

Amid a rise in online gambling across various digital platforms in the country, Bangladesh’s interim government has initiated a crackdown on virtual betting activities. As part of this move, the process to shut down over a thousand mobile banking accounts allegedly linked to gambling is currently underway.

The information was disclosed in a press release issued Monday by Mohammad Jashim Uddin, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

The statement warned that, “Any citizen participating in advertisements for gambling will be considered committing a punishable offense under the law.” It further advised that if any public figure or celebrity finds their image or video being used on gambling websites or portals without consent, they must seek legal redress.

Individuals who were voluntarily involved in gambling or gambling advertisements before the enactment of the Cyber Security Ordinance have been urged to immediately disengage from such activities. Victims of fraud and financial loss due to gambling are entitled to file lawsuits under Section 30 of the law and seek compensation from the responsible companies.

The government is calling on citizens to avoid engaging in gambling or related activities in cyberspace and to report any individuals or companies involved in such offenses to law enforcement agencies. “Gambling is a social menace. Many people have been financially ruined due to online gambling, with some even driven to suicide,” the statement noted, urging public cooperation in eradicating the digital betting epidemic.

Over 1,100 agents involved in online gambling activities have already been identified and legal actions have been initiated against them. The government has warned that any mobile financial service (MFS) agents, banks, or financial institutions found complicit will also face severe legal consequences.

The law stipulates that individuals found guilty of such offenses may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine not exceeding one crore taka, or both.

The statement emphasized that the government’s crackdown will continue. Legal action will be taken under the Cyber Security Ordinance against all involved in online gambling, financial scams, and betting transactions—including those using cryptocurrencies. The list of liable parties includes celebrities, professionals, operators, MFS agents, banks, insurance companies, advertisers, media buyers, and media houses.

“Since the government has declared war against online gambling, any information related to gambling accounts or financial transactions must be reported immediately,” the statement urged.

To facilitate public reporting, the ministry has provided an email address for sharing information about mobile banking accounts, regular bank accounts, financial institutions, agents, distributors, crypto brokers, or any entities associated with online gambling or illegal financial activities.

Furthermore, the government has introduced a new Cyber Security Ordinance in the interest of public safety in cyberspace. Section 20 of the ordinance categorically prohibits all forms of gambling and gambling-related activities. It criminalizes the creation, operation, or promotion of portals, apps, or devices used for gambling; participation in gambling; assisting or encouraging gambling; and involvement in advertisements related to it.

Sections 21 and 22 of the law also outlaw any financial transactions conducted for gambling purposes, as well as fraud or deception linked to gambling activities.