A private member’s bill seeking to prohibit alcohol consumption, alcoholic beverages and gambling in Bangladesh was withdrawn shortly after being tabled in parliament today (9 July).
The “Prohibition of Alcohol and Gambling Act, 2026” and the “Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026” were placed before parliament by Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury, as private member’s bills.
After the bills were introduced, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman requested their withdrawal, saying that existing laws already cover the issues addressed in the proposed legislation.
He said the “Gambling Act, 2026” had already been passed during the ongoing session.
He also noted that the objectives of the proposed bill were already covered under various provisions of the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, making a new law unnecessary.
Following the law minister’s remarks, Shahjahan Chowdhury withdrew both bills.
Later, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal said the bills would not be put to a vote as the proposer, following the law minister’s request, no longer wished to move them forward.
Why was the ‘Prohibition of Alcohol and Gambling Act’ proposed?
The statement of objectives and reasons of the bill said the proposed law aimed to protect public health, prevent the deterioration of family and social relationships caused by alcohol and gambling, and safeguard young people from the harmful effects of addiction.
The bill stated that addiction to alcohol and gambling weakens moral values and self-control among young people, potentially pushing them towards criminal activities and diverting them from education, careers and future goals.
It also said alcohol consumption can lead to physical and mental health problems, family disputes and broader social harm. Such addictions reduce the creativity, productivity and sense of responsibility of the youth, negatively affecting national development.
Citing Article 18 of the Constitution, the bill proposed banning alcohol and gambling in Bangladesh in the interest of improving public health and morality.
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