The HC bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Md Mahmud Hassan Talukder passed the order following a writ petition seeking an order to stop gambling at 13 clubs, including Dhaka Club, in the city.

The court asked the authorities concerned to bring an amendment to the relevant act to end gambling and make it a time-befitting one after enhancing punishments for gambling.

It also asked law enforcement agencies to seize the equipment used for gambling instantly.

In an observation, the HC said, “The current government is conducting a strong drive against casino business and it appears to us that the purpose of the drive is to discourage gambling and casino. At the same time, punishment should be raised to stop casino business and gambling.”

“In the 1867 act, there’s a scope to take action against gambling outside Dhaka but the penalty under the act is very insignificant — only three months’ jail with a fine of Tk 200. Besides, there’s no scope to take action against any gamblers in Dhaka city,” according to the HC observation.

Barrister Redwan Ahmed Ranjib stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Bipul Bagmar represented the state.

Following the court order, no-one from now on will be allowed to play gambling in exchange of money, said Barrister Redwan.

Two lawyers filed a writ petition with the High Court in 2016, challenging the legality of indoor games like gambling, dice and card at  13 clubs (Dhaka Club, Uttara Club, Gulshan Club, Dhanmondi Club, Banani Club, Officers Club Dhaka, Dhaka Ladies Club, Cadet College Club, Chittagong Club, Chittagong Seniors Club, Narayanganj Club, Sylhet Club and Khulna) defying the act.

On December 4, 2016, the High Court issued a rule seeking explanation as to why the authorities concerned will not be directed to take steps against the organizers of indoor games like gambling, dice and card games in exchange of money in the 13 clubs and in the five districts.