BRTA to make 999 national helpline mandatory for buses

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is making it mandatory for operators to show the 999 national helpline number on and inside public transports in a move to strengthen passenger security and stop sexual harassment, reports bdnews24.com.

The authorities ordered the BRTA to ensure the presence of the number on the public transports while giving them or renewing fitness certificate, Roads and Road Transport Secretary Nazrul Islam told the news agency.

BRTA Deputy Director Masud Alam said they were yet to start working on the issue. "But it will be surely done," he added.

BRTA officials said the Road Transport and Highways Division instructed the BRTA to ensure the operators put the number on transports when the issue of sexual harassments on public transports was raised at a recent mass hearing.

Police, Fire Service and ambulance services can be had by dialling 999 from mobile or fixed telephones.

The helpline services are also available to report a crime or when someone fears for his or her life.