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The government has taken a hard line against the growing prevalence of gambling, betting, and pornography-related content in the country's digital space, declaring a "zero-tolerance" policy to protect cyberspace from unethical and harmful activities.
The move aims to create a safer, more disciplined, and youth-friendly online environment amid a surge in illicit ads across websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
According to a press release issued on Thursday, such activities are in clear violation of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 and the Pornography Control Act 2012.
The statement, signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, reads: "Creating, promoting or displaying gambling or betting-related content in cyberspace constitutes a punishable offence. Likewise, severe penalties apply for the promotion of pornography or other unethical content."
To reinforce enforcement efforts, the government and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) have outlined specific directives in four key areas.
Media and digital platforms: All newspapers, online news portals, and digital advertising agencies are strictly prohibited from displaying advertisements related to gambling, betting or pornography.
Any default AdSense or customised ad containing such material will result in punitive action.
Celebrities and content creators: Bangladeshi media personalities, influencers and content creators have been urged to refrain from engaging in promotional campaigns for gambling, pornography or unethical products and services.
"Participation in such activities will be deemed an offence under the Cyber Security Act," the release warned.
Domestic and international websites/apps: No domestic or foreign website, mobile application or digital platform accessible within Bangladesh may host or promote gambling, betting or pornography-related content, advertisements or links.
The NCSA will monitor such content and, where necessary, take action through blocking, fines or other legal measures.
International advertising platforms: Mobile operators, internet service providers (ISPs), and global advertising entities such as Google AdSense and Meta Ads have been instructed to enforce pop-up blocking and filtering mechanisms consistent with local laws and ethical standards.
The statement further stressed that cooperation among government agencies, media outlets, technology companies, and civil society is vital to building an ethical, secure and disciplined digital environment.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any gambling, betting or pornography-related content to notify@ncsa.gov.bd.
Beyond legal enforcement, the initiative seeks to promote moral development among young people, strengthen social values, and protect family cohesion.
Agencies including the CID, BTRC, NCSA, NTMC, NSI, and BFIU are jointly working to uphold cyber security, digital ethics and responsible online behaviour.
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