Village Imposes Fines to Curb Mobile Gaming

Aiming to mitigate online cyber-gaming addiction among youth and bolster local community security, residents of Damudiar village in Shibganj Upazila of Chapainawabganj have implemented strict local bylaws, including a BDT 2,000 fine for playing mobile games like Ludo. The initiative, highlighted today, Tuesday (22 September), introduces financial penalties for various local offenses alongside gaming restrictions to restore order.

Under these community rules, penalties include BDT 20,000 for crop theft, BDT 5,000 for crop damage by livestock, and BDT 50,000 for drug trafficking. Additionally, a BDT 25,000 fine for drug consumption and a ban on nighttime loitering after 8 PM have been declared via loudspeakers. A community organization named 'Damudiar Jubo Somaj' formed three local youth patrolling squads and offered a BDT 5,000 reward for informants to combat recent security threats and robberies.

Local residents Farhad Hossain, Shahidul Islam, and victim Serina Khatun explained that excessive mobile game engagement is distancing the youth from studies and driving them toward unethical behavior. Organization President Ejabul Haq and Durlabhpur UP Chairman Muha. Azam Ali supported the measure, citing it as a preventive psychological deterrent to safeguard the community.

Monowar Hossain Jewel, General Secretary of SHUJAN Chapainawabganj, remarked, "While checking mobile game addiction and crime is positive, local committees lack the legal authority to impose or collect fines outside the official judicial framework."

Addressing the legal implications, Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mazharul Islam stated, "No individual or group can take the law into their own hands or impose fines outside the existing judicial system. The administration is looking into the village rules regarding mobile gaming and will take necessary legal action."
//DBTech/SRJN/SME/BPO//