Nationwide crackdown begins on online gambling and betting

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police has launched a nationwide campaign targeting online gambling and betting, in what marks one of the first major enforcement efforts under the newly enacted Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.

According to a press release issued by the CID, the crackdown comes amid growing concern over the social and financial consequences of online gambling, particularly among young people. The department stated it has already identified over 1,000 mobile financial service (MFS) agents allegedly involved in transactions linked to illegal gambling operations. The names of these agents have been sent to Bangladesh Bank with recommendations for licence cancellations and financial penalties.

The CID warned that online gambling, often facilitated through mobile apps, websites and social media channels, has become a widespread and dangerous activity. Individuals are lured by the promise of quick financial gain, only to fall into patterns of addiction, financial ruin and, in some cases, criminal behaviour, family problems and even suicide, as per the press release.

Under Section 20 of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, the creation, operation or promotion of online gambling platforms is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to one crore taka, or both. Related offences such as transactions, fraud, and manipulation in connection to gambling are similarly prohibited under Sections 21 and 22 of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.

As per the press release, as the enforcement campaign unfolds, CID officials are urging the public to avoid participating in online gambling and to help raise awareness, particularly among youth. The department has also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious apps, websites, or mobile numbers associated with online gambling to the Cyber Police Centre through dedicated hotlines and email.

Sharing the press release from his Facebook profile, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, provided a mail address ([email protected]) along with hotline numbers for the Cyber Police Center, CID: 01320010146, 01320010147, 01320010148.

Read more

Betting ads target Bangladeshi gamers despite ban, study finds