A disturbing trend is emerging in urban areas of Bangladesh: teenagers losing their savings to gambling apps disguised as money games. These apps, often promoted via TikTok and YouTube, promise instant wins and “daily income” features.
Students as young as 15 have reported losing allowances, school fees, and even borrowed money trying to recover losses. The apps use addictive game mechanics to keep users engaged, often pushing them toward additional deposits after minor wins.
Teachers and parents are urging authorities to ban gambling-like apps on app stores and launch digital awareness programs in schools. The emotional and financial toll on youth is growing alarmingly fast.
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