Once, gambling meant card games or secret gatherings. Now it takes place on smartphone screens. A dangerous online betting syndicate has spread across the country through mobile apps, advertisements on social media, and transactions via bKash and Nagad. People of all ages — from teenagers to the elderly — are becoming addicted to this destructive habit. Even school students are not being spared. Some are losing business capital, others their homes, while some, after losing everything, are choosing the path of suicide. Allegations have also emerged that online gambling is not only ruining people financially but is also facilitating the laundering of thousands of crores of taka out of the country.
An investigation has revealed an alarming picture of online gambling across various districts. Incidents of suicide, murder, theft, mugging, debt, and family breakdown linked to gambling are increasing at a worrying rate. Although law enforcement agencies are conducting drives, the masterminds largely remain beyond reach. From pavement vendors, CNG drivers, construction workers, college students and domestic workers to established businessmen — many are now regularly involved in betting apps.
The investigation found that gambling operations are being conducted through various international and local betting apps, including CK444, CV666, Nagad88, Cricriya, 1xBet, Babu88 and LineBet. The ease of depositing and withdrawing money through bKash, Nagad and Rocket has accelerated addiction. Relevant stakeholders say that anyone with an Android phone and internet connection can now enter the world of gambling. A young businessman from Cox’s Bazar, ruined by online gambling, said: “Previously people had to play using dollars, so participation was limited. Now anyone can gamble simply by sending money through bKash. Because it has become so easy, people are falling into addiction out of greed.”
In Sreemangal of Moulvibazar, a government employee addicted to online gambling borrowed Tk40,000 from an NGO. After losing the entire amount in gambling, he took his own life on 10 February under family and financial pressure. In the same area, college student Hriday Mia lost Tk22,000 borrowed from a friend through gambling. Angered over the unpaid money, his friends later killed him. On 9 December last year, Imran, 28, from SM Para in Cox’s Bazar municipality, died by suicide after failing to cope with debts incurred through online gambling. In Bogura, several incidents of murder, suicide and domestic violence linked to online gambling have also been reported. Similar cases of suicide due to gambling-related debt have occurred in Jashore.
Cox’s Bazar Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman said all police stations in the district had been instructed to tackle online crimes. However, most victims are unwilling to file complaints. Locals say online gambling is fuelling theft, mugging, drug addiction and family disputes. Many young people are reportedly selling gold jewellery, embezzling family money and even becoming involved in criminal activities to finance gambling.
Several victims said the apps initially lure users with small profits before gradually making them addicted. Later, people lose large sums of money and fall into debt. Many become trapped and cannot escape even if they wish to quit.
The investigation also revealed the existence of powerful agent syndicates behind online gambling. The entire network is operated through master agents, sub-agents and local representatives. Agents receive commissions whenever players lose. From various districts across the country, they recruit new gamblers through social media advertisements, often using AI-generated videos featuring popular celebrities.
Multiple law enforcement sources said identifying the masterminds has become difficult because most betting servers are controlled from abroad. The networks are particularly active in border districts and areas with significant economic activity. In Cox’s Bazar, Meherpur and Jashore, online gambling agents have been arrested during raids at different times. However, there are allegations that many resume the same activities after securing bail.
In Meherpur, a man named Nawab from Komorpur village, once identified as the “mastermind” of online gambling, was arrested but later left the country after obtaining bail. In his absence, MorshedulAlamLipuGazi assumed leadership of the gambling network. He too was arrested in October last year and faces at least half a dozen cases in different districts, but was released on bail within a few months.
The investigation found that online gambling has reached epidemic proportions in Meherpur. Hundreds of young people are working as agents for various apps. In Mujibnagarupazila, many individuals have suddenly transformed their lifestyles through gambling money — building two-storey houses and purchasing luxury cars despite having no visible legitimate source of income.
The Meherpur police administration said efforts were underway to identify and shut down gambling apps through technological means, but investigations remain difficult as the masterminds are based abroad.
Stakeholders say the major strength of this dangerous gambling network lies in easy access to technology and mobile banking. Massive amounts of money are being transacted daily through mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad. Several MFS agents said many customers are cashing in and cashing out large sums multiple times a day, which they suspect is linked to online gambling.
Concern has also been raised that huge sums of money are being laundered abroad every year through online gambling. In 2022, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested nine individuals in Cox’s Bazar for allegedly being involved in online gambling through a betting website operated from Russia. Similar arrests of gambling agents have taken place in many other districts, with most apps found to be operated from overseas.
ShamsuddinHaiderDalim, Head of Corporate Communications at bKash, said the company is carrying out technology-based monitoring to prevent online gambling, hundi and money laundering. Suspicious transactions are reported to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).
The investigation further revealed that online gambling thrives wherever there is a strong flow of money. In Maheshkhali, where the Matarbari deep seaport and thermal power projects have created a hub of development activity, online gambling has flourished. Workers there have reportedly become heavily addicted.
Police and cyber units say surveillance and operations against online gambling have been intensified. Multiple cases and arrests have been made in different districts. However, most victims avoid filing complaints due to social stigma or fear, allowing the masterminds to remain beyond reach in many cases.
Sociologists and concerned citizens say that alongside law enforcement, greater social awareness and technological regulation are urgently needed. Families, educational institutions and local administrations must work together, particularly to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of online gambling. Without effective intervention now, online gambling could turn into a major social and economic crisis for the country.
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