333 Helpline Launched to Provide Verified Election Information for 13th National Poll and Referendum
To ensure accurate, reliable, and verified information for citizens ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026, a special information service has been launched through the national helpline 333 by a2i, in cooperation with the Bangladesh Election Commission. The service, which began as a pilot on 16 January, has already provided information and assistance to 1,643 citizens.
The ICT Division stated that the initiative aims to make the election process more transparent, participatory, and citizen-friendly. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 4 February, the ministry said that citizens can access election-related information and assistance by calling the toll-free number 333 from any mobile operator in the country and pressing 9.
Under this service, voters can obtain information on voting rules and procedures, polling station locations, National ID-related services, election-time codes of conduct, voting procedures for expatriate voters, special facilities for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and women voters, as well as emergency instructions and important contact numbers. In addition, detailed guidance is being provided on how to use the Election Commission’s designated mobile applications—Smart Election Management BD and Postal Vote BD.
At the same time, the ICT Division noted that the use of 333 (press 9) is also being considered as a supportive channel for receiving information related to law and order, early identification of potential unrest, and rapid notification to the relevant authorities. However, the service will not function as a direct police control room. Instead, it will operate as an “Information Intake, Early Warning & Forwarding System,” forwarding relevant information to 999 or other concerned authorities as necessary.
Stakeholders believe that this election-focused information service through the national helpline 333 will play an effective role in preventing confusion, rumours, and misinformation, and will help ensure a transparent, peaceful, and participatory election process.
DBTech/MZU/MUM/OR
