HC orders to submit progress report on online gambling within 30 days

The High Court today (4 May) 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, according to court sources.

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.

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 (IGP) have been made respondents to the rule, which is returnable in four weeks.

Barrister Muhammad Humayun Kabir stood for the petitioner.

On 16 April 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.

According to the writ petition, under the existing laws and Constitution of Bangladesh, all forms of gambling are illegal and considered a criminal offence.

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.