Appellate Division upholds HC order declaring gambling illegal

The Appellate Division on Thursday upheld a High Court Division order declaring all sorts of gambling involving money illegal and ordered the law enforcement agencies not to raid clubs until the appeal is resolved.

A seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hasan, came up with the order after hearing a leave-to-appeal filed by club owners.

Barrister M Amir Ul Islam, Barrister Tania Amir, and Barrister Sumaiya Aziz stood for the petitioner.

On February 10, the High Court declared all sorts of gambling illegal and issued five directives.

Two lawyers – Barrister Samiul Haque and Advocate Rokon Uddin Md Faruk – filed a writ petition with the High Court in 2016, challenging the legality of indoor games like gambling, dice and card at 13 clubs (Dhaka Club, Uttara Club, Gulshan Club, Dhanmondi Club, Banani Club, Officers Club Dhaka, Dhaka Ladies Club, Cadet College Club, Chittagong Club, Chittagong Seniors Club, Narayanganj Club, Sylhet Club, and Khulna) defying the law.

On December 4, 2016, the High Court issued a rule seeking explanation why the authorities concerned will not be directed to take steps against organizers of indoor games like gambling, dice and card games in exchange for money in the 13 clubs and in the five districts.