Law Enforcement Agencies In Bangladesh Intensify War On Gambling

Bangladesh police have taken the war on illegal gambling to the next level in the last 10 days. Over the weekend, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted raids on some of the popular sporting clubs located in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. These raids intensified after Sheik Haseena; the prime minister of Bangladesh issued a directive to have all illegal gambling operators flushed out.

At least four main sporting clubs; Arambagh Krira Sangha, Dilkusha Sporting Club, Victoria Sporting Club and Mohammedan Sporting club were raided by police. Those sporting clubs had been hotspots for illegal gambling operations. The raids resulted into 182 individuals being arrested and several illegal gambling activities stopped at once.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner, Monalisa Begum confirmed that slot machines were confiscated and all gambling operations were shut down. She further stated that the police were collaborating with RAB to ensure illegal gambling is ousted from Bangladesh once and for all.

At Victoria Sporting Club, 9 betting tables were confiscated, whereas 2 were seized at Mohammedan Sporting Club. Besides, thirteen gambling boards and 1 betting table were confiscated at Dilkusha Sporting Club.

Involvement of Politicians in Illegal Gambling

Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh which comes as no surprise as it is predominantly an Islamic country and gambling is looked down upon. The war against illegal gambling is being carried out under the Prime Minister’s orders. This crackdown has resulted in over 100 foreign nationals being arrested!

The crackdown on illegal gambling operations in Bangladesh has faced opposition from several politicians. It is reported that some politicians have been on the forefront supporting prohibited gambling operations in Dhaka. Some political figures also act as gambling operators in Dhaka. As a result, it has been easier for illegal gambling activities to go on without the intervention of the police.

Sayed Khokon who is the Mayor of the Dhaka South City Corporation stated that he had got in touch with the police to inform them that one of his councillors was involved in illegal gambling activities but they have done nothing about it for the last two months.

Omar Faruk Chowdhury who is the chairman of the Jubo League Chairman confirmed that the clubs that were raided operated just 300 yards away from the police station which further emphasised that these illegal gambling operators had the backing of strong political figures.