DHAKA, May 26, 2025 (BSS) - The government in a statement said they have started taking legal action against over 1,100 agents involved in online gambling.

"Strict legal action will also be taken against all mobile financing agents, banks and other financial institutions involved in such activities," the statement said. 

The government has requested all concerned to quickly inform about mobile banking, regular banking, financial institutions, agents, distributors, crypto brokers and hundi accounts involved in online gambling through [email protected].

The government has already issued the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025 to protect public interest in cyberspace. 

As per Section 20 of the Ordinance, gambling and all activities related to gambling have been banned. 

According to the Ordinance, creating or operating any portal or apps, device for gambling in cyberspace, participating in advertisements to assist or encourage gambling, or directly or indirectly promoting or being involved in advertising has been declared a punishable offense. 

In accordance with Sections 21 and 22 of this Ordinance, any financial transaction for gambling, any fraud or forgery in relation to gambling has also been prohibited.

The government in the statement asked the people who were voluntarily involved in gambling or gambling advertisements before the enactment of this law have been asked to immediately refrain from this activity. 

The people who have been cheated and harmed due to gambling have been allowed to file a case against the accused company and get compensation under Section 30 of the law, it said.

The government has requested that people refrain from gambling and any gambling-related activities in cyberspace and to provide information about the person or company involved in this crime to law enforcement agencies. 

Any person who commits the aforementioned crime will be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding Tk one crore or both, the government warned. 

In addition, action will be taken against various professionals, advertising companies, media buyers, print and electronic media advertisers and advertising recipients involved in online gambling, it also said.