HC wants govt report on steps against those involved in online gambling

The High Court today ordered the government to submit a report in 30 days on the progress of steps taken against people involved in online gambling advertisements, promotion and financial transactions.

In response to a writ petition, the court ordered the government to submit the report about the steps taken after investigation against those involved in these activities.

The HC also issued a rule asking the relevant government authorities to explain why they should not be directed to remove all internet gateways, links, applications and advertisements related to online gambling from all electronic media platforms.

In the rule, the respondents have been asked to show causes as to why a directive should not be issued to them to form a monitoring cell to stop online gambling and to monitor the activities of those involved.

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The secretaries at the ministries of posts and telecommunications; information and broadcasting; home and law; chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, head of the Financial Intelligence Unit under Bangladesh Bank, and the inspector general of police have been made respondents to the rule.

The HC bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua issued the order and the rule following a writ petition filed by rights organisation Law and Life Foundation Trust seeking necessary directives.

Barrister Mohammad Humaun Kabir Pallob, assisted by lawyers Mohammad Kawser, Nayeem Sardar and Bayezid Hossain, moved the petition.

Citing the petition, Humaun Kabir told The Daily Star that any kind of gambling is illegal and a criminal offence under the existing law and constitution of Bangladesh.

But due to the inaction of the respondents, online gambling has become an epidemic in Bangladesh, he said.

"According to various newspapers, about 50 million people in Bangladesh are addicted to online gambling. With smartphones and internet in hand, adults as well as children, are becoming addicted to gambling. As a result, millions of people are becoming destitute by gambling. Taking this opportunity, foreign companies are involved in local syndicates and laundering thousands of crores of taka. Renowned celebrities and showbiz models and stars of Bangladesh are promoting gambling advertisements in exchange for money on their own Facebook pages and Facebook accounts. Many television and online media are promoting various gambling advertisements on their pages," the lawyer added.