Helplines and Emergency Hotlines in Bangladesh

Child helpline 1098 

In Bangladesh, public and private organizations operate various helplines and emergency hotlines to assist citizens. Here's a comprehensive list of these services along with their operating organizations:

Public Helplines and Emergency Hotlines:

• 1098: Child Helpline 1098 is a toll-free national service in Bangladesh dedicated to addressing the issues and needs of children.
• 999: National Emergency Service for police, fire, and ambulance assistance. Operated by the Bangladesh Police.
• 333: National Information Service for government services and social issues. Operated by the Government of Bangladesh.
• 109: Helpline for women and children facing abuse. Managed by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
• 106: Anti-Corruption Commission helpline. Operated by the Anti-Corruption Commission Bangladesh.
• 16263: Health services information. Provided by the Directorate General of Health Services.
• 16162: Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) helpline. Managed by Dhaka WASA.
• 10921: National Helpline Center for Violence Against Women and Children. Operated by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
• 16123: Agricultural Information Services. Provided by the Department of Agricultural Extension.
• 16430: Government legal aid services. Managed by the National Legal Aid Services Organization.
• 10655: IEDCR Helpline for COVID-19-related information. Operated by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research.

Private Helplines:

• Kaan Pete Roi: Emotional support helpline aimed at suicide prevention and mental health support. Contact: +88 09612 119911. Operated by Kaan Pete Roi, a volunteer-based organization.
• Additional mental health: 01688709965 / 01688709966: support lines.

Child Helpline 1098 in Bangladesh

The Child Helpline 1098 in Bangladesh is a critical initiative to safeguard and protect children's rights. Here's a detailed overview of this helpline:

What is Child Helpline 1098?

Child Helpline 1098 is a toll-free national service in Bangladesh dedicated to addressing the issues and needs of children. It operates 24/7 and offers assistance in protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and harm.

Services Offered by 1098:

1. Emergency Rescue and Response:
   Assistance in rescuing children from unsafe or abusive environments.
2. Counselling Services:
   Psychological support and counselling for children in distress.
3. Rehabilitation and Reintegration: 
   
   Connecting children to care centres, orphanages, or foster homes, if needed.
4. Guidance on Child Rights and Support:
   Information and resources related to child rights and safety.
5. Reporting Abuse:
   Enables anyone to report cases of child abuse or neglect.

Target Audience:

• Children in distress (victims of abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or any crisis).
• Concerned citizens, parents, or guardians looking to report issues or seek help.

Operating Organization:

• The helpline is operated by the Ministry of Social Welfare in collaboration with partner NGOs such as Save the Children and Aparajeyo Bangladesh.
• Funded and technically supported by organizations such as UNICEF and international donors.

How to Access the Helpline:

• Dial 1098 from any phone in Bangladesh. The service is free of cost and accessible nationwide.

Child Helpline 1098 represents a vital step towards ensuring the protection and well-being of children in Bangladesh. It provides a platform where children's voices are heard, and their safety is prioritized.

National Helpline 109:

Assistance for Women and Children in Bangladesh

The helpline 109 is a toll-free service launched by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) in Bangladesh to address issues related to abuse, violence, and harassment faced by women and children. It operates 24/7, ensuring timely support and intervention. 

Key Features of the Helpline

1. Toll-Free and Accessible Nationwide:
• Dial 109 from any phone in Bangladesh without incurring any charges.
2. 24/7 Availability:
• Services are available round the clock, ensuring immediate response to urgent cases.
3. Confidential Support:
• Information shared with the helpline remains strictly confidential to protect victims' privacy.
4. Multi-Lingual Services:
• Assistance is provided in Bengali and English to ensure inclusivity.

Services Provided by Helpline 109

1. Crisis Support and Counseling:
• Immediate emotional support for victims of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence.
2. Legal Guidance:
• Provides information on legal procedures and connects victims to legal aid services.
3. Emergency Rescue and Shelter:
• In coordination with law enforcement and shelter homes, the helpline facilitates rescues and safe accommodation.
4. Reporting Abuse or Violence:
• Enables victims or witnesses to report instances of violence, trafficking, and exploitation.
5. Coordination with Government Agencies:
• Works with agencies like the police, medical facilities, and social services to resolve cases efficiently. 

Target Beneficiaries

• Women and children are subjected to abuse, harassment, exploitation, or neglect.
• Concerned individuals or witnesses who wish to report violence or provide tips regarding vulnerable situations.

Operational Partners

The service is managed by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), with support from:

• Police and law enforcement agencies.
• Legal aid services like the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO).
• NGOs and civil society organizations that provide shelter and counselling.

How to Use the Service

• Dial 109 from any landline or mobile phone to reach the helpline.
• Provide clear and concise details about the issue or concern for the operators to process the case effectively.

The helpline symbolizes Bangladesh's commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and ensuring a safer environment for women and children.

999: National Emergency Service in Bangladesh

The 999 National Emergency Service is a toll-free helpline in Bangladesh designed to provide immediate assistance in police, fire, and medical emergencies. It was officially launched on December 12, 2017, and is operated by the Bangladesh Police in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh.

Key Features

1. Toll-Free Access:
• Citizens can dial 999 from any phone, nationwide, without any charge.
2. 24/7 Availability:
• The service is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring help is always available.
3. Multilingual Support:
• Assistance is provided in Bengali and English for wider accessibility.
4. Nationwide Coverage:
• The helpline covers all 64 districts of Bangladesh.

Services Provided by 999 

1. Police Assistance:
• Immediate response to criminal activities, theft, harassment, domestic violence, and other emergencies requiring law enforcement.
2. Fire Assistance:
• Coordination with the Fire Service and Civil Defense to handle fires, accidents, and hazardous situations.
3. Medical Assistance:
• Ambulance services for individuals requiring urgent medical attention, including traffic accident victims or sudden health emergencies.
4. Other Emergencies:
• Provides support in disaster scenarios like floods or landslides, connecting citizens with appropriate rescue services.

How It Works

1. Dial 999:
• The call is routed to the central emergency response centre in Dhaka.
2. Describe Your Situation:
• Trained call agents assess the nature of the emergency and determine the type of help required.
3. Response Coordination:
• The centre promptly notifies the respective service (police, fire, or ambulance) nearest to the location of the caller.
4. On-Ground Action:
• Emergency responders are dispatched to the scene immediately.

Who Operates 999?

• The service is managed by the Bangladesh Police, under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It involves coordination with agencies like:
• Fire Service and Civil Defense
• Health Services
• Local law enforcement authorities.

The 999 helpline is a vital part of Bangladesh’s public safety infrastructure, ensuring that citizens receive timely help during emergencies. It represents the country’s commitment to enhancing the quality and reach of essential services.

Kaan Pete Roi: Bangladesh's First Emotional Support Helpline

Kaan Pete Roi is a pioneering initiative in Bangladesh aimed at providing emotional support and suicide prevention services. It is a confidential, non-judgmental helpline for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts.

About Kaan Pete Roi

1. Founding and Mission:
• Kaan Pete Roi (literally meaning "a shoulder to cry on") was founded to reduce suicide rates in Bangladesh.
• The organization's mission is to create a safe space where people can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment or stigma.
2. Core Focus Areas:
• Suicide prevention.
• Mental health support for individuals in distress.
• Public awareness campaigns to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Contact Information

• Helpline Number: +88 09612 119911
• Available Nationwide.
• Multilingual Support: Services are primarily offered in Bengali and English. 

Key Features of the Helpline

1. Confidential and Anonymous:
• Callers can share their feelings without revealing their identity.
2. Toll-Based Support:
• While the helpline isn’t free, it is affordable and accessible to many in need.
3. Trained Volunteer Responders:
• Responders undergo rigorous training in empathetic listening, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention techniques.
4. Non-Judgmental Listening:
• Volunteers provide a listening ear and emotional support without offering advice or solutions, empowering callers to explore their feelings freely.

Who Can Call Kaan Pete Roi?

Anyone in distress can reach out, including but not limited to:

• Individuals experiencing feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or anxiety.
• Those struggling with relationships, work stress, or societal pressures.
• People contemplating suicide or self-harm. 

How It Works

1. Dial the Helpline:
• Call +88 09612 119911 to speak to a trained responder.
2. Share Your Feelings:
• The volunteer will listen attentively and offer compassionate support without judgment.
3. Develop a Plan:
• If necessary, callers may be guided toward further support or resources. 

Additional Mental Health Support Lines in Bangladesh: 01688709965 & 01688709966

These helpline numbers, 01688709965 and 01688709966, offer mental health support services in Bangladesh. These are supplementary resources for individuals seeking emotional assistance and counselling for mental health concerns.

Key Details

1. Service Type:
• Mental health support, including counselling and guidance for people experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
2. Contact Information:
• 01688709965
• 01688709966
3. Operating Hours:
• Typically available during designated times; specific hours may vary depending on the organization managing these helplines.
4. Cost:
• Call charges may apply as per standard mobile operator rates, depending on your service provider.

Services Provided

1. Emotional Support and Counseling:
• Trained counsellors provide empathetic and non-judgmental listening to individuals facing stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties.
2. Mental Health Guidance:
• Practical advice on managing mental health conditions, stress reduction techniques, and coping strategies.
3. Crisis Intervention:
• Immediate support for individuals in acute distress or at risk of harm to themselves or others.
4. Referrals:
• Assistance in connecting callers to professional psychologists, psychiatrists, or mental health facilities for extended care.

Target Audience

• Individuals struggling with personal, emotional, or professional challenges.
• Those experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or overwhelming stress.
• Families or caregivers seeking advice on supporting loved ones with mental health concerns.

Possible Operators or Organizations

The operation of these numbers often involves mental health-focused NGOs, healthcare providers, or counselling organizations in Bangladesh. Specific details about the managing entities of these lines can be obtained by directly contacting them or accessing information via mental health organizations like:

• Kaan Pete Roi (Emotional support and suicide prevention).
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

How to Reach Out

1. Dial the numbers: 01688709965 or 01688709966.
2. Share your concern briefly to help the counsellors understand your situation.
3. Receive guidance, support, or a referral based on your needs.

For those needing support or guidance with mental health issues, these helplines provide an accessible and approachable resource to begin their healing journey.

These helplines are designed to provide immediate assistance and support for various emergencies and concerns across the country.

Prepared by:

MaksudulKabir Sohel