Dhaka, June 24 -- The government has introduced a bill proposing tougher penalties to curb online gambling, betting and match-fixing, as well as gambling-related cryptocurrency transactions and the use of VPNs or mirror sites to bypass restrictions.

The Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026, tabled in parliament by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday, would make operating online gambling punishable by up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 50 million, or both.

The bill also proposes a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 10 million, or both, for anyone involved in the process.

For "general gambling", the proposed maximum punishment is two years in prison, a fine of Tk 2,000, or both.

Salahuddin minister...