Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) recently blocked 331 websites related to online gambling in a bid to rein in the rapidly expanding malpractice in the country.

The initiative was a part of a regular surveillance effort of the telecom watchdog's Digital Security Cell, reads a statement.

Moreover, Google removed 14 apps from among 150 in Google Play Store which were reported by the BTRC for being connected to online betting.

"Necessary steps have been taken to remove the rest of the apps," the commission said.

Besides, 17 Facebook and 17 YouTube links have been removed after the BTRC reported 27 Facebook and 69 YouTube links to the two global firms for being used to promote gambling and provide training on how to take part in online betting.