Bangladesh Blocks Over 2,200 Gambling Sites and Links in Five Months
Authorities in Bangladesh have blocked a total of 2,255 gambling websites and links between January and May of this year. This marks a 27.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the country's telecommunications regulator.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has ramped up its digital enforcement efforts, blocking a total of 2,255 gambling websites and links across various online platforms between January and May of the current year. The widespread crackdown targeted unauthorized gambling domains alongside content hosted on major social media networks including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok within the country.
This year's figures represent a notable surge in digital censorship of illegal gambling operations compared to the previous year. According to the regulatory data, the number of blocked gambling sites and links stood at 1,768 during the corresponding five-month period of last year. This calculates to a substantial 27.5 percent increase in blocked digital gambling avenues over a single year.
Addressing the technical scope of the regulatory body's operations, Major General (Retd) Md. Emdad Ul Bari clarified the specific mandate and limitations of the commission. He noted that the organization operates purely as a technical regulator rather than a law enforcement agency tasked with criminal investigations or apprehensions.
Elaborating on their operational responsibilities, Major General (Retd) Md. Emdad Ul Bari stated, "We are not a law enforcement agency. Consequently, identifying any criminal or taking legal action against them does not fall within our responsibilities. Our duty is to technologically block the gambling websites, domains, or links that are identified. We are performing that task, and this activity is ongoing."
The BTRC also faces the persistent challenge of operators circumventing blocks by migrating to alternative web addresses. Major General (Retd) Md. Emdad Ul Bari explained this ongoing cat-and-mouse game, stating, "After shutting down a site, if it becomes active again through a new domain or link, initiatives are also taken to identify and block it. However, identifying the individuals behind a website or taking action against them upon closure is connected to a separate legal process. In this regard, the relevant law enforcement agencies must perform their duties."
