Bangladesh MP withdraws proposed gambling ban legislation
The government argued that the issue is already covered by the recently enacted Gambling Act, 2026.
Bangladesh.- A private member’s bill that sought a ban on all forms of gambling in Bangladesh has been withdrawn shortly after being introduced in Parliament. Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman argued that new legislation was unnecessary because the recently approved Gambling Act, 2026 already addresses gambling-related activities and strengthens enforcement.
The proposal tabled by MP Shahjahan Chowdhury also sought to ban the consumption of alcohol nationwide, with supporters citing public health and youth protection concerns. However, the government maintained that adopting a separate prohibition statute would create overlap with the new regime, which introduces provisions for online gambling, digital betting platforms, match-fixing and related offences.
The lawmaker agreed to withdraw the measure, and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal confirmed that no parliamentary vote was required.
