Crypto Mining Illegal in Bangladesh: What You Need to Know

When it comes to crypto mining illegal Bangladesh, the official stance is clear: mining cryptocurrency is prohibited under Bangladeshi law. Also known as Bitcoin mining ban Bangladesh, this rule applies to all proof-of-work cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum Classic. The central bank, Bangladesh Bank, doesn’t recognize any digital currency as legal tender, and mining is seen as a threat to financial control and foreign exchange reserves. Unlike countries that tax or regulate mining, Bangladesh treats it as a criminal activity.

Why? The government fears unregulated capital flight, money laundering, and the loss of control over the national currency, the taka. In 2023, authorities shut down several underground mining farms in Dhaka and Chittagong after detecting massive power surges linked to crypto rigs. One raid uncovered over 200 ASIC miners running in a residential building—each consuming as much electricity as a small factory. These aren’t just hobbyists; they’re organized operations using stolen power and unlicensed hardware. The penalties? Fines up to 1 million BDT and jail time under the Digital Security Act. Even owning mining equipment without approval can trigger investigation.

Still, some people keep mining in secret. They use VPNs to hide their IP addresses, buy used miners from online marketplaces, and tap into unmonitored power lines. A few trade mined coins through P2P platforms like LocalBitcoins or Paxful, converting them to USDT to avoid detection. But it’s risky. In 2024, a Dhaka resident was arrested after his neighbor reported unusually high electricity bills. The government’s surveillance has gotten smarter—power companies now flag abnormal usage patterns, and telecom providers report suspicious traffic to authorities.

What about alternatives? Many Bangladeshis now use crypto trading, buying and holding Bitcoin or stablecoins through peer-to-peer networks. Also known as P2P crypto Bangladesh, this method avoids mining entirely and doesn’t require heavy hardware or high power use. It’s still technically against regulations, but enforcement focuses more on mining than simple ownership. Others turn to stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to the US dollar. Also known as USDT or USDC, these let people store value without mining or exchanging fiat. You can buy them from trusted traders, use them for remittances, or even pay for online services.

There’s no legal path to mine crypto in Bangladesh today. The rules haven’t changed since the 2021 ban, and there’s no sign of relaxation. If you’re thinking about starting a mining operation, you’re not just risking your money—you’re risking your freedom. The posts below show real cases of crackdowns, how people bypass restrictions, and what happens when you get caught. They also cover how other countries handle similar bans, what tools are used underground, and why some still believe crypto is worth the risk—even in places where it’s illegal.