United News of Bangladesh

Amid a concerning rise in online gambling and its associated societal decay and criminal activities, the Bangladesh Bank has taken a firm stance to curb these illicit practices. The Payment Systems Department of Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday issued a directive instructing all banks and financial institutions in the country to increase surveillance on online gambling-related transactions.  Bangladesh Bank to release newly designed banknotes ahead of Eid The directive emphasises the need for regular monitoring to identify any merchants or customers involved in online gambling. The regulatory body has also suggested leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for this purpose. Furthermore, the directive states that if any customer or merchant is suspected of being involved in online gambling, immediate necessary action must be taken, and law enforcement agencies are to be notified without delay. Bangladesh Bank has also urged banks to raise customer awareness about the harmful effects of online gambling. Additionally, it has mandated that merchants registered with banks providing business information for a specific area must ensure their operations are conducted within that declared area. The directive also instructs adherence to the recently enacted 'Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025' in this regard.  Bangladesh Bank simplifies overseas money transfer for language courses The central bank has ordered immediate implementation of this directive, with all relevant banks and financial institutions expected to strictly enforce it.

The High Court on Sunday asked the government to investigate and submit a progress report within 30 days in affidavit, against those involved in online gambling advertisement, promotions and financial transactions. The HC bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua passed the order after hearing a writ petition. The bench also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities should not be directed to remove all internet gateways from the link, application, Google advertisement, Yahoo, YouTube, Whatsapp, Bigo live, Tiktok, Like, Google Play store and electronic media. Court destroys large haul of seized drugs in Brahmanbaria It also issued another rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to form a monitoring cell for observing the online gambling and activities of those involved in it, round the clock. Secretaries to the Post and Telecommunications Ministry, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Home Affairs Ministry, Law Ministry, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Financial Intelligence Unit of Bangladesh Bank, Inspector General of Police have been made respondent to the rule which is returnable in four weeks. Barrister Muhammad Humayun Kabir stood for the petitioner. On April 16, 2025, Barrister Humayun on behalf of human rights organisation ‘Law and Life Foundation Trust, served a legal notice seeking the government's steps to close all website links, gateway involving online gambling. As the notice goes unheeded, Barrister Humayun filed a writ petition in this regard. CMC student murder: 12 acquitted accused asked to surrender before court According to the writ petition, under the existing laws and Constitution of Bangladesh, all forms of gambling are illegal and considered a criminal offense. However, due to the inaction of the respondents, online gambling has taken the form of an epidemic in the country. According to various newspaper reports, approximately 50 lakh people in Bangladesh are addicted to online gambling. With widespread access to smartphones and the internet, not only adults but also young children are becoming addicted. As a result, several lakhs people are losing their livelihoods through gambling. Taking advantage of the situation, foreign companies in collaboration with local syndicates are siphoning off thousands of taka money of taka from the country. Prominent Bangladeshi celebrities, showbiz models and stars are promoting gambling advertisements on their personal Facebook pages and accounts in exchange for money. Besides, many television and online media outlets are running gambling advertisements on their platforms. Online gambling through platforms such as 1xBet and similar casino apps is being conducted by making payments via mobile banking services and local bank cards. Reports in various newspapers have indicated that local mobile banking agents are involved in facilitating these transactions. These developments are extremely concerning and require immediate action.    

Online gambling is emerging as a dangerous addiction among the youth in Bangladesh with easy access to it via smartphones and the allure of quick earnings. This practice is attracting a diverse demographic, from students to working professionals since awareness about its detrimental impact remains minimal, comparable to the lack of understanding surrounding drug addiction. First-Hand Account Rahaat (name changed for privacy), a recent postgraduate from a public university, shared his experience of falling into the trap of online gambling. He said, “Popular platforms like 1xbet and Melbet were introduced to me through social media ads and friends. The promise of easy money was irresistible. Betting options are extensive, ranging from live sports such as football, cricket, and hockey to virtual games like Ludo and casino games. Sports enthusiasts are particularly vulnerable, believing their knowledge makes predictions easier.” He revealed that gambling addiction spans across social classes. “Daily earners, such as rickshaw- pullers and shopkeepers, often gamble their hard-earned money on computer-generated games. They are drawn by the illusion of doubling their income overnight but usually end up losing everything.” Rahaat said that these platforms lure users with initial wins to build trust. “Once someone is hooked, the losses start piling up. People invest more in desperation to recover what they’ve lost, creating a vicious cycle.” He mentioned the role of local agents who facilitate transactions and encourage new users to join. “These agents, who earn commissions, operate in communities across the country. They assure users of secure transactions and even provide guidance for setting up accounts,” he said. Women's Perspective Tania (not her real name), a private university graduate, recounted her own ordeal. Read: Online gambling: Ringleader, 3 gang members arrested in Dhaka, Gazipur “I was drawn to online gambling out of curiosity and financial necessity. Initially, I won small amounts, but greed took over, and I kept depositing more. Eventually, I lost everything, amounting to nearly Tk 50,000, much of which I borrowed. It felt like being trapped in quicksand,” she said. Tania has since warned her friends about the dangers of online gambling. “Breaking free is difficult, but raising awareness is crucial,” she added. Law Enforcement’s Standpoint Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Nazmul Islam, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “Online gambling is undoubtedly an addiction. While the public gambling prevention act exists, enforcement is weak. Stronger laws and decisive action are necessary to prevent further harm to the youth," he said. Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Division Shahjahan Hossain echoed similar concerns. “We lack specific legislation addressing cyber gambling. However, combating these issues is a priority under the government’s new initiatives," he said. Awareness Building Dr Tawohidul Haque, Associate Professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University, emphasised the role of families in tackling this issue. “Parents often fail to monitor their children’s online activities. Just as they would intervene in cases of drug addiction, they must take note of their children’s financial habits and online behaviour,” he said. Dr Haque stressed the importance of a collective approach involving law enforcement, government agencies and families. “Awareness campaigns are vital to educate the public about the risks associated with online gambling," he said. Read more:BFIU suspends 21,725 MFS accounts over online gambling, hundi As online gambling continues to spread unchecked, it is imperative for stakeholders to act swiftly. Strengthened legislation, community awareness, and familial involvement are crucial to preventing the youth from succumbing to this modern addiction.

State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Monday (June 24, 2024) said a drive involving all concerned will be conducted to stop online gambling. Around 50 lakh people are involved in online gambling, the state minister told reporters after a meeting with French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy at the secretariat. Read more: Finance Minister sees online gambling, hundi behind increasing money laundering When his attention was drawn to the issue of money laundering through online gambling, the state minister said, "We have exchanged views on online gambling. Our children of different ages are at serious risk. Even many elderly retired persons are coming in. Analyzing the data, we have seen how 50 lakh people have become involved in these gambling sites.” "We are trying to block illegal gambling sites. I'm also trying to create awareness. So that common people are not deceived by any such temptation.” A total of 2,600 gambling sites have already been blocked and now mobile apps are being blocked, he said adding “It's a continuous process, it will continue.” He said they sat with the Department of Telecom, National Telecom Monitoring Centre, Computer Council, BTRC and Cyber Security Agency to discuss blocking of these gambling sites. Read more: Online gambling apps to be stopped: Palak

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested five members of an online gambling gang from Khulna for allegedly laundering money through online gambling platforms. They were arrested in a raid in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila on Thursday night. The arrestees were identified as Md. Rajib, Md. Enamul Gazi, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Idris Mollah and Md. Mamun. According to a press release by the RAB, a group of people in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila have been laundering money through online gambling apps like 1XBET and Velki Live. The ring used to illegally transact money from around the country using Bkash, Nagad and other mobile financial services. Also Read: Money laundering through online gambling platforms: 6 arrested in city Tipped off, the elite force conducted a raid in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila on Wednesday night and arrested the five ring members, including the mastermind. During the raid, the RAB recovered and seized at least five Android smartphones used for online betting. Later, information regarding online gambling, and illegal transactions of both dollars and local currencies through multiple mobile financial services (Bkash, Nogod, Rocket, and Upay) was obtained from various messenger groups found in the recovered mobile phone.   The arrestees were later handed over to the concerned police station.     END/UNB/FK/F