Online Gambling, Fraud, and Deception in Cyberspace Now Punishable Offenses

Engaging in online gambling, fraud, or related deceptive activities has been declared a punishable offense under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, as announced in a press release by the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology on Sunday. According to the ordinance, individuals involved in creating, operating, participating in, assisting, encouraging, or promoting online gambling through portals, apps, or devices in cyberspace—whether directly or indirectly through advertisements—will be deemed guilty of an offense. Such violations carry a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 1 crore, or both.

Furthermore, individuals who commit fraud using cyberspace will also be considered offenders, facing up to two years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 20 lakh, or both. For those who perpetrate deception through cyberspace to commit a crime, the punishment includes up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 50 lakh, or both. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their surveillance to curb these activities, and the interim government has urged citizens to stay vigilant to strengthen cyber security and suppress such crimes.