Yunus instructs police to introduce online filing of cases

A dedicated hotline should also be set up – like 999 – to enable complainants to file a FIR from anywhere in the country, the chief advisor says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged police across the country to introduce an online process for filing cases in order to reduce suffering and irregularities.

Yunus issued the instruction during a review of the country's law and order situation at a high-level meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday, according to a statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office.

“Currently, an FIR [First Information Report] can only be filed after a visit to the nearest police station. The procedure is cumbersome and leaves opportunities for abuse,” the statement said.

Yunus urged police to set up a dedicated call number -- like 999 -- to enable complainants to file an FIR from anywhere in the country.

"This will reduce the hassles our people face when they file a case," he said, directing the Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam to launch the new phone number as soon as possible.

He also directed the police chief to set up a dedicated call centre to answer queries on online filing of cases.

"People who would struggle to file a case online, can easily take help from the call centre," he said.