The interim government, in a move to clamp down on online gambling, has launched a nationwide crackdown that includes the closure of more than 1,000 mobile banking accounts and legal action against at least 1,100 identified agents.
The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology made the announcement on Monday through a media statement, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward digital gambling platforms and financial frauds.
The action comes in the wake of the newly enacted Cyber Security Bangladesh Ordinance, which explicitly bans all forms of gambling and associated activities in cyberspace.
According to Section 20 of the ordinance, it is a criminal offence to create, operate, or promote any portals, apps, or devices for gambling purposes. It is also a punishable offence to participate in gambling, or to assist, encourage, or advertise such activities, whether directly or indirectly.
Sections 21 and 22 of the ordinances further prohibit financial transactions connected to gambling and any fraudulent or deceptive practices related to such activities. Violators may face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 1 crore, or both. The authorities have begun proceedings to deactivate more than 1,000 mobile financial accounts found to be involved in online gambling. In parallel, legal steps are being taken against a network of over 1,100 agents reportedly engaged in gambling-related operations.
The ministry said the government’s campaign will continue, and strict legal action will be taken under the law against all individuals directly or indirectly involved in online gambling, financial scams, and related transactions (including cryptocurrency).
“This includes respected individuals, celebrities, professionals, operators, mobile financial service (MFS) agents, banks, insurance companies, advertisers, media buyers, and all entities involved in print and electronic media advertising,” the ministry warned.
The crackdown extends beyond the operators themselves.
‘Cease immediately’
In a stern warning, the ministry cautioned that Bangladeshi citizens appearing in advertisements promoting gambling – including influencers, celebrities, and professionals – could face prosecution.
Anyone who discovers their likeness or content being used on gambling platforms without consent has been advised to pursue legal action.
The interim government has also addressed those who previously participated in gambling or its promotion, urging them to cease all related activities immediately. Victims who suffered losses from gambling schemes have been encouraged to file lawsuits and seek compensation, as allowed under Section 30 of the ordinance.
In a broader scope, the government reaffirmed its intention to pursue individuals and institutions connected not only to gambling but also to cryptocurrency-based scams and illegal hundi operations. This includes advertisers, media outlets, and financial entities involved in processing related transactions.
Furthermore, authorities have called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mobile banking, crypto trading, or financial activity linked to online gambling. Reports can be submitted to National Cyber Security Agency’s email notify@ncsa.gov.bd.
Reiterating its firm stance, the ministry declared: “The government has declared a war against online gambling.”