Parliament passed the Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, replacing the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867, The Daily Star and Dhaka Tribune reported around 30 June 2026.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed moved the bill. According to The Daily Star, offences involving online or remote gambling carry a maximum of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk 1 crore, or both. Participation in online betting carries up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk 5 crore, or both.
Parliament also passed a Cyber Security amendment that repealed Section 20 of the Cyber Security Act on gambling in cyberspace, the paper reported, so that gambling offences are handled under the new statute.
Reporting from The Daily Star and Dhaka Tribune, June–July 2026.