Photo: Collected
Online gambling has emerged as a grave concern in Bangladesh, with an alarming rise in its popularity among low-earning individuals spanning from metropolitan areas to remote villages.
This illicit activity, spearheaded by foreign entities, is draining crores of taka from the country's economy, as unsuspecting people are enticed to invest small amounts with the promise of substantial winnings through various old and new betting sites, facilitated by super, master, and local agents.
Despite online gambling being strictly prohibited in Bangladesh, the practice continues to thrive, posing significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. The impact of this cybercrime is steadily permeating society, resulting in immense financial losses and causing societal degradation.
People from all walks of life, including students, drivers, helpers, waiters, roadside vendors, rickshaw-pullers, daily laborers, and even beggars, have fallen prey to the allure of online gambling. The transactions take place through a three-way process, including in-person cash deals, friend-to-friend cash and mobile transactions, and mobile banking through platforms like Bkash and Nagad.
During our investigation, we discovered a new online betting application called 'Melbet.' In a conversation with Jalil Miah, a 40-year-old rickshaw-puller from Barisal Banaripara residing in a slum in Malibagh, we gained insight into the devastating impact of online gambling.
Jalil lamented his recent loss of Tk 4500 during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) versus Gujrat Titans (GT) in the IPL match, where he had placed a bet on RCB. Unfortunately, his team lost, resulting in a missed opportunity to win 12.6 times more. Jalil disclosed that his associate, who remains anonymous, helped him create an account on Melbet. Not only does his brother manage his account, but he also oversees numerous others, serving as a key link in this widespread gambling network.
This alarming trend can be observed in every nook and cranny of the country, as online gambling only requires a simple smartphone. Bets are placed for as little as Tk 20, 50, 100, or 500, but blinded by the allure of quick and easy money, people unknowingly invest lakhs of taka, often borrowing from others, including agents who charge exorbitant interest rates. The subsequent loss of these funds plunges individuals into severe financial crises, without any consideration from the agents regarding their wins or losses.
Bangladesh finds itself facing a formidable challenge in combating the menace of online gambling. Law enforcement agencies have made arrests of operators and agents involved in this illegal trade, yet the problem persists, with new avenues emerging regularly.
Experts and concerned citizens are voicing their strong condemnation of online gambling, highlighting its detrimental effects on society and public finances. Urgent measures are required to curb this growing crisis and protect vulnerable individuals from falling into the vicious cycle of gambling addiction and financial ruin.
The government, in collaboration with relevant authorities and community organizations, must intensify efforts to raise awareness about the perils of online gambling, enact stricter regulations, and implement effective measures to prevent the infiltration of illegal betting platforms.
Simultaneously, initiatives should be taken to promote alternative forms of entertainment, education, and financial literacy among the populace.
Law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh, particularly the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Criminal Investigation Department, have intensified efforts to combat the growing prevalence of online gambling. Numerous arrests have been made, targeting individuals involved in virtual currency, domain, and server trades related to illegal betting activities.
Several prominent betting sites, including www.toxic365.com, www.live24.site, www.babu88.com, www.crickex.com, and www.4rabet.com, have come under the scrutiny of authorities. The investigative reporter has also informed us about a site called www.melbet.com, which is now under investigation.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of the detective branch, Mahidul Islam, confirmed these developments, stating that the identified betting sites, including Melbet, are being closely monitored. Law enforcement agencies are primarily focusing on apprehending the masterminds and agents behind these operations, rather than penalizing individuals who are unwittingly participating and losing their hard-earned money. Cyber and special crime divisions are collaborating to curb this illicit trade, which channels funds out of the country through various e-transaction platforms, including multilevel marketing apps.
A high-ranking official from the Criminal Investigation Department revealed that while continuous monitoring of betting sites is ongoing, active drives and crackdowns are awaiting direction from higher authorities. The surge in online gambling activities is particularly pronounced during major sports events such as the IPL, BPL, and Big Bash.
Police sources, including a Sub-Inspector from the Sutrapur Police Station and a CID official, disclosed that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including rickshaw-pullers, roadside vendors, daily laborers, and even beggars, have become entangled in the web of online gambling. However, many are unaware of the true nature of their involvement. It is suspected that masterminds and primary gamblers exploit these individuals to place bets on their behalf, leveraging the perception that strict actions are less likely to be taken against low-income earners.
Dr. Tauhidul Haque of Dhaka University offered his insights on the matter, stating that while gambling was previously associated with affluent individuals, it has now become prevalent among low-income earners. However, engaging in such practices can have dire consequences for their financial well-being. In their desperation to fund their gambling activities, low-earning individuals often resort to theft and robbery, ultimately spiraling into a life of crime and estrangement from their families.
Dr. Haque emphasized the urgent need for designated law enforcement units to work in close collaboration and with firm resolve to stamp out this cybercrime. Restoring people's faith and trust in the government and authorities hinges upon effectively curbing this e-based criminal activity.
As authorities continue their crackdown on illicit gambling operations, it is hoped that stringent measures and comprehensive awareness campaigns will safeguard individuals from falling victim to the allure of easy money and protect them from the devastating consequences of online gambling addiction.
TDM/SD
