Summary:
- Bangladesh Police introduces 24/7 national hotline (01320-002001, 01320-002002, 01320-002222) for immediate reporting of violence against women, including harassment and assault.
- The service, launched on 10 March 2025, enforces a zero-tolerance policy against gender-based violence and prioritizes rapid legal action against perpetrators.
- Complaints can be lodged nationwide, with coordinated responses from local law enforcement and confidentiality guarantees for victims.
- The initiative complements the existing Police Cyber Support for Women Facebook page, which addresses online harassment and cybercrimes targeting women.
The Bangladesh Police Headquarters has introduced a round-the-clock emergency hotline service to combat violence against women nationwide, offering immediate intervention for cases involving aggressive behavior, abusive remarks, harassment, and sexual assault. The three dedicated numbers—01320-002001, 01320-002002, and 01320-002222—went live on 10 March 2025, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen legal protections for women and children.
Announced via a press release signed by Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagar, the service aims to streamline reporting mechanisms and accelerate police response times. “Bangladesh Police follows a zero-tolerance policy in preventing violence against women and children while maintaining law and order and combating crime,” the statement emphasized, underscoring commitments to legal action against perpetrators.
The hotline expands existing efforts to address cybercrimes targeting women through the Police Cyber Support for Women Facebook page, which continues to provide specialized assistance for online harassment cases. Victims can use both platforms to seek legal guidance, emergency support, and protective measures.
Operational since 4:50 PM on 10 March, with updates published by 5:29 PM the same day, the initiative reflects heightened urgency in tackling gender-based violence. Authorities confirmed the hotline’s 24/7 availability across all regions, ensuring accessibility for rural and urban communities alike.
This development aligns with national strategies to enhance public safety infrastructure and follows sustained advocacy from civil society groups demanding stronger safeguards for women. Police officials reiterated their focus on victim confidentiality and rapid deployment of resources, including coordinated responses with local law enforcement units.
The launch comes amid rising global attention to digital and physical violence against women, positioning Bangladesh’s measures as part of a wider movement to institutionalize emergency support systems. With the hotline now active, stakeholders anticipate improved data collection on gender-based crimes and more efficient prosecution processes.
