Short answer. In Bangladesh, call 999, the National Emergency Service, for police, fire service and ambulance: it is free from any phone and answers 24 hours a day 1. The Fire Service and Civil Defence hotline is 102, the Coast Guard 16111, recorded disaster warnings 1090 and government information 333 12.
Which numbers should I know?
| Number | Service | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | National Emergency Service: police, fire service and ambulance, free, 24 hours | 1 |
| 102 | Fire Service and Civil Defence hotline, from all operators (02-223355555 also works) | 1 |
| 16111 | Bangladesh Coast Guard: emergencies on the coast, at sea and on waterways | 1 |
| 1090 | Disaster early warnings by recorded voice, toll free | 21 |
| 333 | Government information and services (09666789333 from abroad) | 1 |
| 109 | National helpline against violence against women and children | 1 |
| 1098 | Child Helpline | 1 |
The 999 call centre is run by the police 1. The household guide of the Department of Disaster Management asks families to call 109 or 999 for help against harassment, violence, abduction or trafficking of women and children during disasters 3.
Which agencies handle disasters?
- Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), modmr.gov.bd: policy and national coordination 4.
- Department of Disaster Management (DDM), ddm.gov.bd: preparedness, shelters, household guidance and the 1090 line 23.
- Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), cpp.gov.bd: warnings and evacuation by volunteers in the coastal districts 5.
- Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD): cyclone signals and weather warnings 6.
- Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre (FFWC), Bangladesh Water Development Board: flood forecasts and warnings 7.
- Fire Service and Civil Defence, fireservice.gov.bd: fire and rescue; hotline 102 1.
How do I keep these numbers available in a disaster?
Write them down on paper with your family's contacts and keep the list with your documents, which the DDM asks families to protect 3. The DDM guide also asks families to collect and keep the names and phone numbers of the local administration, police, chairmen and members, to prevent violence against women and children during disasters 3. See Important documents and Family emergency plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is 999 free in Bangladesh?
Yes, from any phone, 24 hours a day 1.
What number do I call for a fire in Bangladesh?
999 or the Fire Service and Civil Defence hotline 102 1.
Who do I call at sea or on a river?
The Bangladesh Coast Guard on 16111, from all mobile operators 1.
Preparedness index: Bangladesh ranks 54th of 67, 44.5/100 · full ranking
Sources · 7
- Bangladesh National Portal (bangladesh.gov.bd), Government of Bangladesh · জরুরি হটলাইন (Emergency hotlines) checked 2026-11-13
- Department of Disaster Management (DDM) · আইভিআর: দুর্যোগের আগাম বার্তা মোবাইলে আইভিআর পদ্ধতিতে প্রচার (IVR 1090) checked 2026-11-13
- Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief · দুর্যোগ ঝুঁকি হ্রাসে পারিবারিক পর্যায়ে সচেতনতার প্রধান বার্তাসমূহ (Key messages for household-level disaster risk awareness), first edition December 2022 checked 2026-11-13
- Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Government of Bangladesh (copy hosted by the Asian Disaster Reduction Center) · Standing Orders on Disaster 2019 (English edition), Appendix 2 'Warning signals for sea and river ports', Appendix 3 'Category of cyclones and signals', Appendix 4 'Guidelines for hoisting cyclone warning flags' checked 2026-11-13
- Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief · সংকেত প্রচার পদ্ধতি ও প্রক্রিয়া (How the Cyclone Preparedness Programme disseminates signals) checked 2026-11-13
- Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) · সমুদ্র বন্দরের জন্য সংকেত সমূহ / নদী বন্দরের জন্য সংকেত সমূহ (Signals for sea ports and river ports) checked 2026-11-13
- Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre (FFWC), Bangladesh Water Development Board · Flood Alert map (river stations: Normal, Warning, Flood, Severe; legend relative to danger level) checked 2026-11-13