Bangladesh Bank, the Criminal Investigation Department and bKash have launched a joint awareness campaign warning the public, particularly young people, about the severe social and financial consequences of online gambling.
The campaign is distributing advertisements through television channels, newspapers and social-media platforms, highlighting legal provisions that may lead to imprisonment for up to two years, fines of as much as Tk1 crore and arrest without a warrant, the organisations said in a press release.
Several news outlets have also published reports detailing the damaging effects of gambling as part of the campaign.
The initiative brings together the financial-sector regulator, law enforcement and a financial-service provider to raise public awareness and warn those involved in online gambling and related activities.
The three organisations said stakeholders remained committed to maintaining zero tolerance towards offenders.
Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), chief external and corporate affairs officer of bKash, said the company was conducting the campaign with Bangladesh Bank and the CID as part of its responsibilities as a financial institution.
“As a responsible financial institution, we are conducting this campaign jointly with Bangladesh Bank and CID,” he said.
“We execute awareness drives throughout the year to foster secure transactions across the financial ecosystem and will continue this effort in the days ahead.”
Jasim Uddin Khan, special superintendent of police for media at the CID, said addiction to online gambling was emerging alongside the expansion of technology.
“Many assume that if they gamble online, no one will know or be able to trace them, but a digital trail always remains behind,” he said.
“This joint initiative has been launched to reiterate the strict provisions of the law, and everyone must stay vigilant to keep themselves safe.”
