The government has taken a strict stand to prevent online gambling, pornography and immoral advertising. Urgent instructions have also been issued for those concerned.
This information was informed in a press release signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.
The notification said, 'The government of Bangladesh is firmly committed to keeping the country's cyber space safe, ethical and generation-friendly. Recently, it has been observed that some online platforms, websites, mobile applications, social media and some electronic media are promoting advertisements and promotional content related to gambling, betting and pornography. Such activities are in violation of the Bangladesh Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2025 and the Pornography Control Act, 2012.'
The notification further states, 'According to Section 20(1) of the Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2025, it is a punishable offense to create, operate, promote, advertise or encourage gambling or betting related portals, apps or content in cyberspace. Similarly, as per Section 25(1), promoting, aiding in promoting or publishing advertisements for the purpose of promoting pornography or immoral content is also a punishable offense under the Ordinance. Such activities harm the moral development, social values and family ties of the young society and pose a threat to the state moral framework. In light of the above legal framework, the Government and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) are issuing the following urgent instructions to prevent online gambling, pornography and immoral advertising.'
The instructions are-
Instructions to all Newspapers, Online Newspapers and Electronic Media of the country: All newspapers, online newspapers, news portals and any local and regional media organizations, digital advertising agency authorities of Bangladesh are hereby informed that they do not advertise pornography, gambling or gambling in any way on their default site/application, browser-based advertisement part (Ad Part) or Google AdSense and other advertisement platforms or customized advertisement parts. can't do This is a clear violation of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, which will attract disciplinary action.
Instructions to Media Celebrities, Influencers and Content Creators: All media personalities, celebrities, influencers and content creators in the country are urged to refrain from participating in gambling, betting, pornography or advertising or promotional activities of any immoral products, services or websites. Advertising or aiding in the promotion of such advertisements shall be punishable under the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025. Everyone's cooperation is expected to build a healthy digital culture through ethical and responsible behavior in public interest.
Guidelines for Domestic and Foreign Websites/Applications: No domestic or foreign website, application or digital platform operated in Bangladesh or accessible to Bangladeshi users shall promote or promote any content, ads or links related to gambling, betting or pornography. The National Cyber Security Agency has intensified such content monitoring activities and will take blocking, fine or legal action against the concerned website or platform if necessary.
Instructions for International Advertising Platforms including Mobile Companies, ISPs, Google Adsense, Meta Ad: Mobile companies, ISPs, Google Adsense, Meta Ad and international advertising platforms are also requested to strictly follow the local laws, pop-up blocking and filtering policy in accordance with the prevailing laws and ethics of Bangladesh.
The notification said, 'Organizations should not run websites, magazines and news portals, apps etc. on default AdSense but should be customized so that gambling, porn, gambling and related gaming ads or pop-ups do not appear. The government will adhere to the zero tolerance policy against gambling advertisements and will actively consider blocking the relevant websites subject to public opinion and public communication in this regard in case of violation of existing laws.'
It further states, 'Government believes that the active role of government agencies, media, technology companies and civil society is essential in building an ethical, safe and orderly society. If any citizen or organization comes across advertisements or content related to gambling, betting or pornography online, please (email protected) Requesting to report to the address.'
The Bangladesh Government will continue to take utmost precautions and strict measures to keep the country's cyber space safe, ethical and generation-friendly. In this regard, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The notification also mentions that working jointly.
