The High Court bench of Justice Quamrul Islam Siddique and Justice Sheikh Hasan Arif also issued a rule asking for explanation from the government authorities why directions should not be made to take actions against the unlawful business and indoor games mainly cards, dice and housie playing in exchange of money, wager, stake or any other benefits.
Supreme Court lawyer Samiul Huq and lawyer Rokonuddin Md Faruq filed a writ petition over the matter last Wednesday.
The clubs are Dhaka Club Limited, 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, Khulna Club Ltd and Sylhet Club Ltd.
A lawyer of the petitioners Redwan Ahmed Ranjib told Dhaka Tribune that according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1976, Chittagong Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1978 and Public Gambling Act 1867 any kind of gambling is illegal. “But these clubs arrange gambling for their members. Even they have put those information on their websites,” he said.
The High Court asked the secretary of home ministry, inspector general of police, commissioners of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Sylhet Metropolitan Police, director general of RAB, deputy commissioners of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet and Narayanganj to come up with explanation to the ruling within four weeks, he said.
Friday, March 28, 2025
