Chittagong Metropolitan Police have launched a mobile phone service to instantly file a complaint over incidents of sexual harassment.
CMP's Additional Commissioner Banaj Kumer Majumder made the announcement while addressing a programme at Dr Khastagir Government High School in the port city on Wednesday.
He said: “From now on, the victims can text 373 to 018141373237, a mobile number of the CMP.
“Upon getting a call back from the number, one can lodge her complaint with the police instantly. Later police will take action against the culprits as per the rule.”
The initiative has been taken in a bid to help schoolgirls as well as all women of Chittagong get rid of stalking and sexual harassment, he further said.
“We have launched the service as part of our social service.”
While addressing the schoolgirls, he said: “I have a daughter. I observe that girls are facing difficulties while travelling outside. I want to help you.”
“I want to make an agreement with you and under it the police will not disclose the identities of the victims to the accused. Your schoolteachers and even your parents will also not be informed about the complaint, if you want.”
“You can file your complaint after getting the phone calls, so you have no need to go to the police or the court, and the police will bring the stalkers to trial,” added the police official.
Welcoming the initiative, Dr Khastagir Government High School’s headmistress Hasmat Jahan said: “It’s really a good decision where the girls can share their problems without any fear and hesitation.”
Banaj Kumar Majumdar told Dhaka Tribune that after opening the service, police received some 15 complaints till 2pm on Thursday.