Fire service launches new hotline number

The Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has launched a new hotline number at the Dhaka Central Control Room.

Initially, this emergency three-digit number, 102, can be accessed from all operators except T&T from any part of Bangladesh.

Mohammad Shahjahan Sikder, acting officer of the media cell at Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed.

The service will soon be available from T&T as well, he said.

The currently active 11-digit phone number, 02223355555, and the 5-digit hotline, 16163, will remain operational. However, the 16163 hotline will be discontinued after December 31, 2024, and only the 102 hotline number will remain active.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence rely on the information they receive to provide services. One of the primary means for service recipients to provide information is through telephone communication.

Previously, the 5-digit hotline number 16163 was introduced because it is somewhat difficult to remember an 11-digit phone number during emergencies. To further simplify access to services, the Fire Service has taken the initiative to launch the three-digit 102 hotline number.