PUBG Mobile Unbanned in Bangladesh After Nearly Four Years

Image via Krafton

PUBG Mobile is now officially available in Bangladesh, marking the end of a nearly four-year ban. Players can once again access the popular battle royale game via local mobile networks and Wi-Fi, without needing VPNs or other workarounds.

The game was originally banned in 2021 following a High Court order, which labeled PUBG Mobile a "destructive" application. Authorities cited concerns about its alleged negative impact on youth behavior, mental health, and academic performance. Other apps, including Free Fire and TikTok, faced similar restrictions during that period.

A Major Win for the Gaming Community

The game's return comes as a huge relief for the country’s growing gaming and esports communities, many of whom had been actively campaigning for the ban to be lifted. For fans and professional players alike, this development signals more than just the return of a beloved title—it’s seen as a revival of Bangladesh’s competitive gaming scene.

Before the ban, PUBG Mobile had established a strong presence in the country’s emerging esports ecosystem. Teams like A1 Esports rose to prominence, even competing in international tournaments like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) in 2020. That momentum came to a halt when the government abruptly imposed the ban, stalling the industry’s progress.

Despite the official restrictions, many players continued to access the game through VPNs and unofficial methods—a risky move, as there were reports of arrests tied to unauthorized play. The ban also created widespread uncertainty for streamers, content creators, and esports organizers relying on the game.

No Formal Statements Yet

As of now, neither KRAFTON (the game's developer) nor the Bangladeshi government has released an official statement about the terms of the unban. However, the fact that PUBG Mobile is now playable on local networks suggests that the restrictions have been quietly lifted.

Global Context: PUBG Mobile and Bans

PUBG Mobile has faced bans in multiple countries, typically over concerns related to addiction, violence, data privacy, or national security. In India, the game was banned in 2020, prompting KRAFTON to release a localized version, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), tailored for that market.

Other countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, and Iraq have issued temporary bans that were later reversed due to public or legal pressure. Meanwhile, regions like Jordan and Afghanistan continue to maintain active bans.