HC bans gambling in 13 clubs
STAFF REPORTER
The High Court yesterday banned gambling in the form of bingo, dice and card games at 13 clubs in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. It also directed the government to immediately stop gambling at 13 renowned clubs, including the Dhaka Club. The 12 other clubs are Uttara Club Ltd, Gulshan Club Ltd, Dhanmondi Club Ltd, Banani Club Ltd, Officers Club Dhaka, Ladies Club Dhaka, Cadet College Club Dhaka, Chittagong Club Ltd, Chittagong Seniors Club Ltd, Narayanganj Club Ltd, Sylhet Club Ltd and Khulna Club Ltd.
In response to a public interest litigation, the HC bench of Justice Quamrul Islam Siddique and Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif passed the order. It also issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why it should not be directed to take actions against the unlawful business and indoor games of cards, dice and housie in exchange of money.Home secretary, inspector general of police, deputy commissioners of Dhaka and Chittagong and the 13 clubs where gambling games take place in exchange of money were also made respondents to the rule. It also asked the government to submit a report on other clubs across the country where gambling games take place. Supreme Court lawyers Samiul Huq and Rokonuddoulah had filed the petition with the HC seeking directive over the issue.
Advocate Rezwan Ahmed, counsel for the petitioners, told reporters that as per Public Gambling Act, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance and Chittagong Metropolitan Police Ordinance gambling in such forms are illegal.
