United News of Bangladesh

The government has launched a special information service through national helpline 333 in collaboration with the Bangladesh Election Commission. The initiative aims to make the election process more transparent, participatory, and citizen-friendly. Citizens can call the toll-free number 333 from any mobile operator and press 9 to receive necessary information and assistance related to the election, according to a press release issued by the Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology  Ministry. Services under this initiative include guidance on voting procedures, polling station locations, national ID card details, election-time conduct, voting rules for expatriates, special facilities for differently-abled, elderly, and female voters as well as emergency instructions and essential contact numbers. The helpline also provides detailed guidance on using the Election Commission’s designated apps, Smart Election Management BD and Postal Vote BD. Since its pilot launch on January 16, the service has already assisted 1,643 citizens with election-related information. Besides, the authorities are exploring the use of option 9 on 333 as a tool to collect information on law-and-order situation, detect potential unrest early, and quickly alert the relevant authorities. However, the helpline will not function as a direct police control room and it will operate as an “Information Intake, Early Warning & Forwarding System,” forwarding necessary information to 999 or the concerned authorities as required.