CID Cracks Down on Cyber Gambling Under New Ordinance

Following the recent enactment of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, Bangladesh Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a nationwide crackdown against online gambling and betting. With a declared zero-tolerance approach, the CID aims to identify and bring offenders under legal action. Citizens have been urged to support the effort by reporting suspicious apps, websites, or mobile numbers to the CID’s Cyber Police Centre. Three dedicated contact numbers have been provided: 01320010146, 01320010147, and 01320010148.

On the very first day of the operation, Tuesday, the CID reportedly identified over a thousand mobile financial service (MFS) agents involved in transactions linked to online gambling. As part of legal proceedings, CID has already forwarded a list of these agents to the Bangladesh Bank, recommending revocation of licenses and financial penalties.

In a press release signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, it was stated that, “Online gambling is currently being conducted through mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms, luring participants with promises of easy earnings. This addiction is driving many to financial ruin, criminal activities, domestic violence, and in extreme cases, even suicide.”

To combat such threats, Section 20 of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 classifies engaging in online gambling, developing or promoting gambling-related apps or portals as punishable offences, carrying penalties of up to two years' imprisonment, fines up to BDT 1 crore, or both. Furthermore, Sections 21 and 22 prohibit financial transactions, fraud, and forgery associated with gambling activities.

The CID has vowed to continue the campaign rigorously and has called for active public participation to dismantle these online gambling networks.