Rights group urges revision of proposed anti-gambling law citing privacy concerns
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The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has formally welcomed the government’s initiative to enact legislation aimed at curbing online and offline gambling and betting. However, the organization has expressed significant reservations regarding specific provisions within the draft Betting and Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, urging authorities to revise or repeal contentious sections before the bill is presented to the National Parliament.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the HRFB cautioned that while the objective of preventing crime is essential, the proposed legislation must not undermine the constitutional rights of citizens, including personal privacy, the right to a fair trial, and judicial safeguards. The forum warned that without these protections, the law risks facilitating a state of pervasive surveillance.
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Central to the HRFB’s concerns are sections 39(1) and 39(2) of the draft, which would empower authorities to search digital devices, seize data, and conduct arrests based solely on “belief” or “suspicion.” The organization argued that granting such broad powers without mandatory judicial oversight or independent accountability mechanisms is dangerous. According to the forum, any state interference with a citizen’s private data or digital devices must strictly adhere to constitutional mandates concerning equality, personal liberty, and the right to privacy as enshrined in Articles 27, 31, 32, 33, 39, and 43 of the Constitution.
The statement further highlighted concerns regarding the proposed powers granted to mobile courts under the draft law, suggesting these provisions require rigorous scrutiny to prevent potential abuse of authority. While acknowledging the necessity of a regulatory framework to control gambling, the HRFB maintained that the legislation must not serve as a tool for unchecked surveillance.
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To address these concerns, the HRFB has called for an open consultative process involving legal experts, technology professionals, media representatives, and members of civil society. The organization asserts that such collaboration is vital to ensure the final act aligns with constitutional protections, directives from the higher judiciary, and international human rights standards.
The statement was endorsed by a broad coalition of prominent rights activists, legal experts, and organization heads, including Sultana Kamal, Hamida Hossain, Raja Devasish Roy, Z.I. Khan Panna, Tahmina Rahman, Shahin Anam, Sara Hossain, and Iftekharuzzaman, among other representatives from various civil society and human rights advocacy groups.
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