Cabinet Approves Key Draft Laws on Gambling, Drugs, Exams, and Bogura University
New Laws Aim to Modernize Legal Framework in Bangladesh
Bangladesh's government has taken significant steps to update its legal framework by approving four draft laws during the 10th meeting of the Cabinet. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Gambling Regulation Update
One of the key approvals was the draft Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, which received in-principle and final approval. This law aims to replace the outdated Public Gambling Act, 1867, addressing the rapid expansion of both online and offline gambling due to technological advancements.
The new legislation seeks to maintain public order, reduce crime, prevent social, economic, and psychological harm, and establish a modern legal framework for regulating gambling activities. It introduces definitions for various gambling-related terms, such as:
- Gambling
- Gambling premises
- Gambling equipment
- Digital assets
- Digital gambling platforms
- Digital wallets
- Totalisators
- Online and remote gambling
- Betting
- Bookmakers
- Match-fixing or spot-fixing
It also outlines different categories of punishment, including fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
Examination Offences Amendment
The Cabinet also gave final approval to the Public Examinations (Offences) (Amendment) Act, 2026. This amendment updates the Public Examinations (Offences) Act, 1980, to address examination-related crimes committed using digital technology.
Under the amended law, hacking or illegally altering public examination results or merit lists is now recognized as a new offense under the category of "Digital Manipulation." This offense carries a maximum punishment of five years' imprisonment along with a fine. The amendment also includes stricter penalties and fines for organized examination fraud and criminal syndicates involved in such offenses.
Bogura University Transformation
Another major approval was the Bogura University Act, 2026, which was approved in principle. This act replaces the Bogura Science and Technology University Act, 2001, which was gazetted on July 15, 2001, but never became operational.
The government plans to transform the planned specialized science and technology university into a fully-fledged public university. It will offer education and research in various fields, including:
- Science
- Life sciences
- Engineering
- Technology
- Arts
- Social sciences
- Business administration
- Law
- Agriculture
- Medical sciences
- Other emerging fields
This initiative aims to produce skilled human resources to meet the growing demands of the job market.
Narcotics Control Enhancement
The Cabinet also approved the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the existing Narcotics Control Act, 2018 (amended in 2020). The amendment addresses changing patterns of drug trafficking, technology-based narcotics crimes, and challenges faced during judicial proceedings.
Key provisions of the amendment include:
- Establishment of Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals to strengthen judicial proceedings in drug-related cases.
- Introduction of new provisions to tackle cyber-enabled narcotics offences, particularly those committed through cyberspace.
- Measures to enhance coordination among agencies in preventing drug smuggling in border areas and conducting joint operations.
- Formation of specialized dog squads to improve the detection and identification of narcotic substances.
