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On July 1, the parliament of Bangladesh passed the Gambling Prevention Bill, creating a new set of laws with the intention of preventing gambling, online gambling, casino gambling, and other offenses such as match-fixing. The new law has superseded the outdated law known as the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which was enacted during the colonial era, as it does not cover modern technological gambling crimes and offenses.
Bill Targets Digital Gambling
The bill was moved by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in line with recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee on the law ministry. During the debate, lawmakers backed the bill’s main objective, while also raising questions about how some of its enforcement powers could be used.
National Citizen Party MP Akhter Hossen supported the purpose of the legislation but warned that it could be misused if police are allowed to search, seize, and block websites or mobile applications without court approval. He said such powers could affect citizens’ rights and could also be used against critical media.
Nazibur Rahman of Jamaat made similar arguments, suggesting that the police do not have unconditional rights of seizure and that the provisions may clash with the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Government Response In Parliament
Responding to those concerns, the home minister said prior court approval could allow evidence or gambling websites to be removed too quickly, which could weaken law enforcement efforts. He also said police already have similar powers under other laws.
Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said the opposition supported the legislation and welcomed the government’s move to bring it. At the same time, he said he regretted that the opposition’s proposed amendments were not accepted. He urged caution to make sure the law is not misused and that citizens’ and human rights remain protected.
The exchange highlighted support for the bill’s overall aim, alongside unease about how enforcement provisions may operate in practice. Even so, the bill cleared parliament without dissent.
Penalties And Definitions
Under the new law, anyone directly or indirectly involved in gambling faces a maximum of 2 years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 200,000, or both. Offences involving online or remote gambling carry a maximum punishment of 5 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 1 crore, or both. Participation in online betting brings an even tougher penalty of up to 7 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of Tk 5 crore, or both.
When he placed the bill in parliament last week, Salahuddin said online betting platforms, virtual private networks, social media, fake mobile financial service accounts, biometric fraud, and digital payment systems were increasingly being used for gambling, money laundering, and fraud. He said these trends posed serious threats to Bangladesh’s social order, economic stability, public safety, and young people.
The law sets out 24 categories of gambling-related activities, including gambling, gambling venues, gambling materials, digital assets, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, totalisators, online and remote gambling, betting, bookmaking, match fixing, and spot fixing. It also lists 14 categories of punishment based on the nature of the offence.
Cyber Law Changes
The Cyber Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been passed by the parliament that abolishes Section 20 of the Cyber Security Act relating to the provision of punishment for gambling in cyberspace. The amendment bill was placed by Post, Telecommunications, and ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam and passed by voice vote.
According to Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, the bill was necessary since there already exists a law on gambling prevention. Both of these laws signify a new dawn for the way that Bangladesh handles gambling offences in the real and virtual realms.
Source: Asia News Network
