Finding healthcare
999: Bangladesh's national emergency number (police, fire, ambulance)
In Bangladesh, 999 is the national emergency helpline. One toll-free number connects you to police, fire service and ambulance support. This page explains what it is and how to make your call as clear as possible.
What 999 is
999 is Bangladesh's National Emergency Service: a toll-free national help desk that works as a single, centralised helpline for police, fire service and ambulance support. You do not need to know a separate number for each service. Call 999 and tell the operator what kind of help you need.
- Police
- Fire service
- Ambulance
When to call
Call 999 when there is an emergency and someone needs urgent help from the police, the fire service or an ambulance. Do not wait to search a website, including this one, when a life may be at risk.
How to give clear information
Emergency operators can help faster when the information is clear. Try to stay as calm as you can and:
- Say which service you need: police, fire service or ambulance.
- Say where you are as precisely as you can: district, area, road or house number, and a nearby landmark such as a mosque, school, market or bus stand.
- Briefly say what has happened and how many people need help.
- Answer the operator's questions as clearly as you can.
- Keep your phone switched on and nearby after the call.
Be ready before an emergency happens
- Make sure everyone at home, including older children, knows the number 999.
- Learn the full address of your home and workplace, with a landmark, so you can say it quickly.
- Keep a written list of your family's medicines and any hospital papers in one place, so they are easy to take along.
- Know where the nearest hospitals with emergency services are. The emergency page on this site lists facilities whose map data says they offer emergency services, but that information is unverified, so call before you go.
Emergency hospitals in Bangladesh, by division
Checklist: preparing for a hospital visit
This page is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 999. For other questions about your health, ask a registered doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the emergency number in Bangladesh?
Is 999 free to call?
Can I call 999 for an ambulance?
What should I say first when I call 999?
This guide is general information only and is not medical advice. It does not tell you what any medicine is for or how to take it. For questions about your health or your medicines, ask a registered doctor or pharmacist.