Online gambling targeting Bangladesh’s upcoming national election is reportedly on the rise, despite strict legal prohibitions and active monitoring by authorities. Data from the platform showed 74% of participants predicting a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) victory, while 26% backed Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Brig Gen Shafiul Azam Parvez, director general (engineering and operations) at BTRC, said: “Shutting down gambling platforms is an ongoing process. The Cyber Security Ordinance, promulgated on May 21, 2025, explicitly criminalizes online gambling, including creating, operating, promoting, or participating in gambling-related platforms or advertisements. Despite the global popularity of election betting markets, authorities warn that participating in online election gambling in Bangladesh is illegal and punishable under law.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 30, 2026 17:39 UTC