13 Dec 2017 | 05:07 AM UTC
Bangladesh: National emergency helpline launched December 12
Government launches nationwide emergency helpline on December 12; call 999 to contact police, firefighting, and emergency services
Event
On Tuesday, December 12, Bangladesh launched the national 999 emergency helpline, which will connect callers with police, firefighting, and ambulance services. The number can be called 24 hours a day, and can be dialed from any telephone in the country free of charge.
Context
Prior to Tuesday's launch, dialing 999 only connected individuals to local police. Authorities had been running tests for a unified national emergency helpline since October 2016.
Advice
Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to take note of the change and to call 999 only in case of emergency.
