A new “zero tolerance” policy recently introduced in Bangladesh would completely eliminate Internet games, pornography and immoral advertising, with the aim of creating a “safe and youth-friendly” cyberspace throughout the country.
The policy was published by the Bangladesh Press and Information Department (PID) on 16 October and was developed under the Cyber Security Act 2025 and the Pornography Control Act 2012. The policy explicitly prohibits newspapers, websites, broadcasters and digital media from promoting and displaying gaming or adult content on any platform. In addition, the ban covers advertising activities through third-party advertising networks such as Google AdSense, mobile applications and online portals. Any person or company that violates the provisions of the law will face immediate legal consequences under the Cybersecurity Act. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will lead law enforcement operations and cooperate with a number of government agencies, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC). These institutions will strengthen the monitoring of all digital channels, and NCSA will have the power to block and impose fines or take legal action against violators. In addition, Internet service providers, mobile operators and advertising networks such as Meta Ads, Google AdSense have been asked to remove or filter banned content.
The Government of Bangladesh urges celebrities, netizens and media practitioners to refrain from promoting gambling or adult content in any form. The authorities have directly called on public figures to stop speaking out or engaging in any gambling-related marketing activities, which is aimed at protecting youth groups and reducing the social normalization of online gambling. The online gambling ban in Bangladesh is part of its broader national campaign to curb illegal gambling and cybercrime. Earlier this week, NCSA had issued notice of non-compliance to ESPNcicinfo on alleged advertising irregularities and tax issues. At the same time, the authorities have investigated more than 1,000 mobile agents suspected of supporting illegal online games.
