Bangladesh's Parliament has withdrawn two private member's bills, including a proposal to impose a nationwide ban on alcohol and gambling. The move came after the Government argued that the objectives were already addressed under existing laws.
The Liquor and Gambling (Prohibition) Act, 2026 and the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026 were introduced by Member of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury during the second and first budget sessions of the 13th National Parliament. However, both proposals were later withdrawn at the request of Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman.
According to the law minister, there was no need to create additional legislation because Parliament had already passed the Gambling Act, 2026, while provisions relating to alcohol are covered under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018. He said introducing another law with similar objectives would result in unnecessary duplication.
Following the Government's explanation, the bills' sponsor agreed to withdraw the proposals. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal confirmed that, since the sponsoring lawmaker consented to the withdrawal, the matter did not require a parliamentary vote.
The proposed Liquor and Gambling (Prohibition) Act aimed to introduce a complete ban on the consumption of alcohol, alcoholic beverages and all forms of gambling throughout the country. Supporters of the proposal argued that the measure would help protect young people from gambling and alcohol-related harm while improving public health, morality and social welfare.
The second proposal sought to amend criminal procedure rules governing post-mortem examinations. Among its provisions were allowing post-mortem examinations for women in accordance with Shariah principles and permitting burial or cremation without an autopsy in certain road accident cases if requested by the deceased's family. That bill was also withdrawn.
The latest development comes shortly after Bangladesh enacted the Gambling Act, 2026, a comprehensive overhaul of the country's gambling laws. The legislation modernizes the country's legal framework by introducing provisions covering online gambling, digital betting platforms, match-fixing and related offenses, while strengthening enforcement measures to address the growing challenges posed by digital gambling activities.
The withdrawn proposal sought to completely prohibit alcohol consumption, alcoholic beverages, and gambling in Bangladesh, citing youth protection, public health and social morality
