The alarming surge in online gambling and associated fraud in Bangladesh is a troubling phenomenon that demands urgent attention.
Our newspaper on Friday reported that as technology evolves and consumer preferences shift, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the involvement of individuals, particularly teenagers and youths, in these illicit activities.
The consequences are dire: families are torn apart, social unrest is on the rise, and lives are being irreparably damaged.
According to the report, the ICC Cricket World Cup and other significant international tournaments have become fertile ground for gambling syndicates, siphoning off vast sums of money from the country daily.
A staggering five million people are reportedly engaged in online gambling, with authorities blocking approximately 2,600 gambling sites.
Yet, the accessibility of these platforms continues to fuel their appeal. With just a smartphone, anyone can gamble from the comfort of their home, making it an enticing option for many.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867, a relic of the British colonial era, is woefully inadequate for addressing the complexities of modern online gambling.
The law’s lax penalties fail to deter those who exploit the anonymity of mobile financial services to facilitate transactions.
This lack of effective regulation is a significant barrier to combating the growing tide of online gambling.
As highlighted by the experts, the allure of the emotional and financial gambling draw in vulnerable individuals often leads them to devastating consequences.
Law enforcement agencies are making strides, with recent arrests and seizures indicating a commitment to combatting these crimes. However, the scale of the problem necessitates a more robust approach.
Increased monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement are essential to curtail the rise of online gambling.
As we navigate this digital landscape, it is imperative that the government, law enforcement, and society at large collaborate to address the root causes of gambling addiction.
Social degradation, broken families, and a lack of recreational opportunities are contributing factors that must be tackled holistically.
The fight against online gambling in Bangladesh is far from over. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a safer, healthier environment for our youth and protect families from the devastating effects of gambling addiction.
We strongly urge the authority concerned to make laws under cyber protection measures to wipe out the gambling root without making any delay.
