To curb the growing threat of online gambling, Bangladesh’s interim government has introduced a new legal framework titled the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. The ordinance includes strict penalties for participating in or promoting online gambling, with provisions for up to 2 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to 10 million BDT (approx. USD 85,000), or both.
The new law aims to address digital crimes and enhance cyber safety by taking direct action against online gambling activities. According to Section 20 of the ordinance, the following are now considered punishable offenses:
Developing, operating, or supporting portals, apps, or devices related to online gambling
Participating in online gambling or encouraging others to do so
Promoting or advertising gambling, whether directly or indirectly
Local Government, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan shared key highlights of the law via a post on his official Facebook page, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on digital gambling platforms.
In a parallel development, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul stated in a press briefing that the government has officially repealed the Cyber Security Act of 2023. Nine controversial sections of the previous law—under which nearly 95% of past cybercrime cases were filed—have been abolished. As a result, those pending cases will automatically be annulled once the new ordinance is gazetted.
Dr. Nazrul added that while the maximum sentence under the new ordinance is two years, the penalty for filing false or malicious cases has been made more severe. In a move toward safeguarding freedom of expression, several previously non-bailable offenses have now been made bailable under the updated ordinance.
The Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 was officially approved on May 6 during a meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at his office in Dhaka. Following the meeting, a press conference was held at the Foreign Service Academy, where Dr. Nazrul, along with other advisors, outlined the ordinance and related policy decisions.
Officials believe that the implementation of this law will help prevent digital crimes, ensure online safety, and protect civil rights in the cyberspace. The strict stance against online gambling is being seen as a landmark step toward responsible digital governance in Bangladesh.
