Govt introduces shortcode, police command app to combat violence against women

The interim government has announced the launch of a dedicated shortcode and a Police Command App to enhance law enforcement services and prevent violence against women.  

As part of a broader effort to digitize police operations, these initiatives will modernize incident tracking, online General Diary (GD) filing, and First Information Report (FIR) submission, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.  

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and IT, stated that the government aims to strengthen internal police communications and streamline complaint management.  

A new helpline, 3333, will be introduced as an extension of the national helpline 333. By dialing 333 and selecting option 3, or directly calling 3333, complaints of violence against women will be routed to the police call center.  

To create a safer environment, the government plans to staff the call center entirely with female operators, ensuring that victims feel comfortable reporting incidents.  

An online system will soon allow citizens to file FIRs and General Diaries through a digital platform, eliminating the need for in-person visits to police stations. Each complaint will be directly forwarded to the concerned police station, and police officials’ contact details will be integrated into the system for efficient follow-up.  
 
The government has also developed a prototype of a Police Command App to replace conventional communication tools like WhatsApp, which pose security risks. The app will feature a secure "Push to Talk" function, protecting sensitive discussions from unauthorized access.  

The app will have multiple tiers, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and top officials at the highest level, followed by district superintendents and range DIGs. For now, police station personnel will not be included in the system.  

A centralized tracking system, modeled after customer management software used in telecom industries, will record all communications and actions taken on reported crimes. This will ensure transparency and help streamline police operations.  

With these initiatives, the government aims to improve law enforcement efficiency, ensure women’s safety, and modernize policing across Bangladesh.