Dismislab, an independent online verification and research platform, uncovered the widespread promotion of online betting platforms on Bangladeshi government webpages across various government domains, including those of educational institutions and defense entities. It is totally unacceptable that official websites entrusted with public information and services and paid for by taxpayers, have become seemingly unwitting conduits for illegal activities. This not only undermines public trust, but also exposes potential security vulnerabilities that could be exploited for malicious purposes.
As part of the government's digitisation drive, the move to develop web portals for various government bodies and agencies is indeed commendable. These web portals could be vital platforms for disseminating valuable information that the public needs. Unfortunately, most of the portals are run in a highly irresponsible manner and have gathered cyber cobwebs. They are not updated regularly, which means they showcase outdated information that is absolutely of no value. They are a nuisance and unhelpful to those in need of up-to-date data.
Moreover, these webpages are almost sitting ducks for hackers to remove or steal valuable citizens' information. Last year, sensitive personal information including names, birth dates, and National Identification (NID) numbers of over 50 million users were hacked from one of the public domains. Following the leak, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the concerned website didn't have minimum security.
Now, these same inactive sites are actively promoting online betting!
It is a serious lapse of security by the government's ICT division that they could not monitor websites and prevent such infringements. The authorities need to conduct a thorough investigation and implement stricter measures to prevent such intrusions into government websites. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen regulatory measures to clamp down on online betting sites and raise public awareness about the dangers of gambling. Educational campaigns and stricter regulations on online advertising can play a vital role in protecting citizens, particularly the youth, from the pitfalls of this growing unacceptable menace to society.
With the rapid, but silent proliferation of online gaming and gambling, a significant number of youths are experiencing financial stress, social isolation, and psychological distress. While online gambling was initially confined to urban areas, the scourge has spread to remote rural areas in recent years, facilitated by the widespread availability of smartphones and the Internet.
Dozens of smartphone applications, primarily operated from locations in Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, serve as a gateway to betting. Local agents in Bangladesh oversee transactions through mobile banking channels. The lure of easy money is often the initial draw for many who fall prey to online gambling apps. These apps, with their low entry points (sometimes as low as 10 taka) make these platforms highly accessible and addictive. Initially, some may even experience small wins, fuelling the illusion of greater profitability ahead. The reality, however, is starkly different, as users end up losing substantial sums of money, which they usually borrow from near and dear ones. This downward spiral into financial ruin underscores the dangers of unchecked gambling activities facilitated by these apps.
Like alcohol and drug, gambling is equally addictive and detrimental and can easily ruin lives. Curbing online gambling in Bangladesh appears to be a formidable challenge. The government tries to tackle gambling websites through blocking, but mobile apps downloaded from Google Play and Apple Store present a formidable hurdle. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) acknowledges the limitations of app control and the added difficulty of continuously emerging new platforms and rebranded sites. The industry is seemingly always many steps ahead.
Despite these challenges, the BTRC has requested tech goliaths like Google and Apple to remove gambling apps from Bangladeshi access. Such initiatives to block gambling apps have achieved some success, but these efforts have so far been sporadic. The dynamic nature of the online gambling industry, with its constant rebranding and platform proliferation, necessitates a more comprehensive and intensive strategy.
While controlling private websites and blocking apps might seemingly be an uphill battle, the government should at least be able to safeguard public domains, prevent data breaches and infringement of promotional sites. The fight extends beyond our borders. Regulatory forces must clamp down on online betting sites, exercising stricter controls on web advertisements. Collaboration with global tech giants is essential to dismantle the scaffolding that allows these gambling apps to flourish. But vigilance alone is not enough. Educational campaigns and the use of the power of information must target vulnerable populations, especially the youth.
Besides, the legal landscape needs a facelift. Outdated laws must be revamped to reflect the digital age, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of regulatory bodies. Equipping them with the necessary resources and authority will be their strongest weapons. Bangladesh cannot fight this war alone. International co-operation, a bridge across borders, is crucial. Working with international regulatory bodies and tech companies will strangle the influence of these offshore gambling operations.
Technology itself can also be a powerful ally. By investing in advanced solutions like AI and programming it properly, Bangladesh can develop a watchful digital policing eye. This vigilant eye would continuously scour government websites 24-7 non-stop, identifying and eliminating suspicious activity before it had time to take root and cause damage.
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