PUBG Mobile and Free Fire rank among the world's most popular mobile battle royale games, with billions of active players globally and tailored regional versions. After India's PUBG ban last year due to privacy issues, Bangladesh is now weighing similar restrictions.
According to Bangladeshi daily Manab Zamin, the Ministries of Education and Home Affairs have recommended suspending these games due to addiction concerns among teenagers and young adults.
The matter was raised in the Standing Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. The Mobile Phone Users Association of Bangladesh has called for action, citing the games' addictive nature.
Mohiuddin Ahmed, President of the association, noted: "As we strive to provide high-speed internet to the next generation, it's troubling to see technology being misused."
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications plans a measured approach to implement any ban, avoiding backlash. Discussions also covered VPNs as workarounds, with steps to block them.
Garena recently announced a dedicated Free Fire server for Bangladesh, launching June 8. A preemptive ban could complicate this rollout, leaving gaming communities reeling.
