Bangladesh CID launches nationwide crackdown on online gambling and betting
Just a day after Bangladesh government announced that they have started taking legal action against over 1,100 agents involved in online gambling, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police has launched a nationwide campaign targeting online gambling and betting. This is one of the first major enforcement actions under the new Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.
The CID revealed that their initial investigation has identified more than 5,000 mobile financial service (MFS) accounts linked to illegal online gambling transactions and the process of shutting down these accounts has already started, and legal action against the respective agents is underway, said a official release. Over 1,000 mobile financial service agents connected to these activities have been named and reported to Bangladesh Bank. The CID has recommended licence cancellations and financial penalties for these agents. Legal proceedings are already underway.
Online gambling — a growing social problem
Online gambling in Bangladesh is mainly carried out through mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms. The CID warns that this activity is causing serious social and financial harm, especially among young people. According to the department’s statement, “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.”
The department describes online gambling as a widespread and dangerous activity that is creating unrest in families and affecting the community negatively.
Legal framework and penalties
The crackdown is carried out under the new Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, which prohibits all forms of online gambling and related transactions.
Under Section 20 of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, creating, operating, or promoting online gambling platforms is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to one crore taka (approximately US$90,000), or both. Related offences, including gambling-related transactions, fraud, and manipulation, are also prohibited under Sections 21 and 22 of the ordinance.
Government and public cooperation
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Advisor on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, shared details of the crackdown on his official Facebook page. He emphasised the urgency of public involvement, stating, “More than a thousand mobile banking accounts involved in gambling have already been identified, and the process of shutting them down has begun. If you know of any gambling-related bank or mobile accounts, please report them immediately.”
Taiyeb also warned that participating in gambling advertisements is a criminal offence for Bangladeshi citizens and encouraged those whose images or videos appear without consent on gambling sites to take legal action. He urged anyone involved in gambling or advertising to immediately cease their activities, adding, “Victims of gambling-related scams or fraud have the right to file lawsuits and claim compensation from the offending companies under Section 30 of the law.”
High Court orders and judicial pressure
Earlier this year, the High Court Division of Bangladesh took strong steps demanding government action against online gambling promotions and advertisements and submit a progress report within 30 days. In May 2025, the court directed various ministries and regulatory bodies to investigate why gambling content remains accessible on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, and the Google 바카라 Store, and why there is no dedicated unit to monitor such activities regularly.
The High Court also established a seven-member committee to investigate the role of celebrities in promoting gambling. The committee includes officials from several ministries and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and has 90 days to report its findings.
Social impact and concerns
The courts and the government have expressed serious concerns about the growing number of young people and children involved in online gambling. It is estimated that around five million people in Bangladesh participate in these activities, which has caused financial difficulties for many families. There are also worries about illegal money being moved both within the country and abroad.
Taiyeb called gambling “a social menace” that has led many people to lose everything, with some even taking their own lives. He urged everyone to cooperate fully in efforts to stop online gambling.
