Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid launched a Quick Response Team (QRT) initiative on Saturday to prevent violence and oppression against women and children.
The QRT members will take prompt action upon receiving a call to the hotline number 109. The team’s primary objective is to reach and support victims within 24 hours of a reported incident.
Each QRT is composed of four members led by an officer of sub‑inspector rank. Four dedicated helpline numbers have been established for public access: 01755556644, 01733219030, 01755556645, and 01733219005.
She made the announcement while inaugurating the QRT programme at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
She said her ministry is working to extend the service to every village and neighbourhood across the country.
During the event, Adviser Sharmeen said her ministry has undertaken specific programmes to ensure greater participation of women in the upcoming national election.
The newly formed QRT is designed to provide rapid rescue, legal aid, humanitarian, and comprehensive support to women and children who face oppression and harassment in various settings, including educational institutions, workplaces, public transport, travel routes, and domestic environments.
The unit’s operational framework encompasses a wide range of duties. Its teams will promptly travel to incident locations to rescue victims and offer legal assistance.
They will conduct extensive awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and industrial areas such as garment factory zones. Furthermore, the QRT will build coordination through community policing initiatives with various professional bodies, organising training, workshops, and seminars to raise public awareness.
It will actively coordinate with employers, workers’ welfare associations, and other organisations to ensure safer workplaces for women, free from harassment.
The QRT will engage with the public during “Open House Day” events at police stations to explain its functions and available support channels.
