In a groundbreaking move, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced that incidents of violence against women reported through the HELP App will be immediately treated as first information reports (FIRs). This initiative is a significant step towards empowering women to report harassment without fear or intimidation. As stated by DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali during the app’s inauguration ceremony, this decision marks a new chapter in enhancing women’s safety in Dhaka.

Empowering Women with Technology

The HELP App, an acronym for the Harassment Elimination Literacy Program, stands as a beacon of hope for women across Dhaka. It enables them to seek immediate help, access emergency services, and report any instances of violence with ease and confidentiality. “This app will serve as a powerful tool for women, helping them break the silence and seek justice,” Ali emphasized.

Domestic workers, often at the receiving end of abuse and injustice, stand to benefit greatly from this initiative. By providing a secure platform for recording incidents, the app assures women that their voices will be heard and their concerns addressed effectively.

A Pilot Project with a Noble Mission

Initially piloted along the Basila-Sayedabad route, the HELP App service is supported by the European Union, reflecting an international commitment to improving women’s safety. QR codes installed on buses enable affected individuals to report incidents swiftly while volunteers along the route offer additional support. These measures ensure that women commuting within the city can do so safely, guarded by a network of vigilant allies.

Pioneering Change Through Collaboration

The inauguration event, hosted by the Broadcast Journalists Centre, featured key figures like Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to combat gender-based violence. Together with law enforcement, organizations, and the community, the HELP App initiative underscores the collective mission toward a safer environment for all women in Dhaka.

According to The Financial Express, this app could potentially revolutionize how violence against women is reported and addressed, setting a precedent for similar movements worldwide. With technology leading the charge, Dhaka is poised to transform into a city where women can freely and safely navigate their lives.