Bangladesh Bank enforces new rules, urges use of AI to detect online gambling activities
In light of the increasing use of digital platforms for online gambling and its connection to social and criminal issues, Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive to all banks and financial institutions to strengthen monitoring and take immediate action against suspicious activities.
Banks and financial bodies have been told to monitor both customers and merchants for involvement in online gambling. The directive recommends the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help identify suspicious activity.
The directive further stated that if any customer or merchant is suspected of involvement in online gambling, immediate action must be taken. The central bank has also directed that such cases be reported to law enforcement agencies without delay.
Banks have also been instructed to educate customers about the risks of online gambling. In addition, merchants registered with banks must conduct their operations within the areas stated in their business details.
The directive further stresses the importance of complying with the recently enacted ‘Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025’, which outlines legal measures for ensuring digital security in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Bank has ordered immediate enforcement of the directive. All financial institutions are expected to strictly follow the instructions to help regulate digital financial systems and stop illegal online gambling transactions.
CID launches nationwide action
The Central Bank of Bangladesh’s directives came just a day after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police launched a nationwide crackdown on online gambling and betting. This enforcement campaign follows the government’s announcement of legal action against more than 1,100 agents involved in illegal online gambling. It marks one of the first major actions under the newly enacted Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.
CID investigations have identified over 5,000 mobile financial service (MFS) accounts linked to gambling transactions. The process of shutting down these accounts has begun, and more than 1,000 MFS agents have been named and reported to Bangladesh Bank. The CID has recommended licence cancellations and financial penalties for the offenders. Legal action is currently underway.
New legal framework
The Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025 prohibits all forms of online gambling. Under Section 20, creating or promoting gambling platforms is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to one crore taka (approximately US$90,000), or both. Related activities are criminalised under Sections 21 and 22.
Advisor Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb urged the public to report gambling-related accounts and warned that participating in gambling ads is a punishable offence. He called gambling “a social menace” causing financial ruin and family breakdowns.
Judicial action and social impact
Earlier this year, the High Court Division ordered the government to take action against online gambling promotions and advertisements and to submit a progress report within 30 days. In May 2025, the court also directed ministries and regulators to explain the availability of gambling content on digital platforms. A seven-member committee was formed to investigate celebrity involvement in such promotions, with a 90-day deadline to report its findings.
