Bangladesh Bank, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and bKash are jointly running a special campaign to raise awareness against online gambling among people from all walks of life, particularly the youth, a press release said.

Under the campaign, awareness advertisements have been initiated to highlight the severe social and financial consequences of online gambling. The advertisements place strong emphasis on relevant legal provisions and punitive measures that may lead up to two years’ imprisonment, fines as high as Tk 1 crore, and arrest without a warrant.

These awareness advertisements are being broadcast across various television channels, published in newspapers, and social media platforms. Additionally, several news outlets have published reports detailing the damaging effects of gambling.

Driven by social responsibility, this collaborative push by the regulator, law enforcement, and financial service provider goes beyond driving awareness. It delivers a stern warning to perpetrators and their associates that all stakeholders remain committed to showing zero tolerance toward criminals.

Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash, said, “As a responsible financial institution, we are conducting this campaign jointly with Bangladesh Bank and CID. We execute awareness drives throughout the year to foster secure transactions across the financial ecosystem and will continue this effort in the days ahead.”

Jasim Uddin Khan, Special Superintendent of Police (Media), CID, said, “Addiction to online gambling is emerging with the expansion of technology. Many assume that if they gamble online, no one will know or be able to trace them, but a digital trail always remains behind. This joint initiative has been launched to reiterate the strict provisions of the law, and everyone must stay vigilant to keep themselves safe.”