HC declares all sorts of gambling illegal

The High Court has declared illegal all sorts of gambling in exchange of money across the country including 13 clubs in the city.

The HC bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Md Mahmud Hassan Talukder passed the order on Monday.

The court also directed the government to take steps against gambling organisers and gamblers.

The directives came following a writ petition seeking an order to stop gambling at 13 clubs, including Dhaka Club, in the city.

The court asked the authorities concerned to bring an amendment to the relevant act to end gambling and make it a time-befitting one after enhancing punishments for gambling.

It also asked law enforcement agencies to seize the equipment used for gambling instantly.

In an observation, the HC said, “The current government is conducting a strong drive against casino business and it appears to us that the purpose of the drive is to discourage gambling and casino. At the same time, punishment should be raised to stop casino business and gambling.”