Making rural people aware of number 999's service

999 is a toll-free hotline number that allows people in trouble to call and ask for police assistance. We can receive a number of services through this helpline, including assistance for any type of crime, accident, abduction, fire, and call for ambulances. From its inception on December 10, 2017 till October this year, the National Emergency Service, 999, has reportedly received over 4,20,000 calls. It has been found that the cases of seeking immediate assistance and making complaints are relatively high in big cities like Dhaka and Chattogram.

This is because people outside Dhaka, especially in rural and remote areas, are not aware of the facility provided by 999. Village people should be made more aware of the National Emergency Service. Local administration and non-government organisations (NGOs) can play a leading role in this case. Similarly social media campaigns can be run to make people aware of calling 999 in emergency cases. Many government organisations send messages by mobile phone about their routine activities and observance of special days. This medium can also be used to make rural people aware of the 999 service.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

[email protected]