Bangladesh has officially launched its first national emergency alert system for missing and abducted children named Missing Urgent Notification (MUN Alert) along with a 24/7 toll-free helpline, 13219, to expedite recovery efforts across the country.

Led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Missing Children Cell with support from the Zero Missing Children Platform and international partners, the system is modeled after the U.S. AMBER Alert program. Verified alerts will be shared widely through the official web portal, mobile apps, news outlets, social media, digital billboards and SMS broadcasts to mobilize the public for quick action.

Officials emphasized that child safety, privacy and dignity are priorities, and reminded people that the first few hours after a child goes missing are critical. Missing child information can also be reported to the national emergency service 999 or the CID’s Missing Children Cell.

CID Unveils ‘MUN Alert’ and Helpline to Strengthen Child Rescue Efforts

At a press briefing in Dhaka, the Criminal Investigation Department launched MUN Alert, Bangladesh’s first tech-led emergency system aimed at rapidly reporting and responding to missing child cases. Alongside the alert system, a 24/7 toll-free number 13219 was introduced to receive tips and information from the public.

Authorities say the new system draws on global best practices and will broadcast alert details to media, SMS networks, social platforms and digital displays nationwide. The CID will verify all information before issuing alerts to ensure accuracy and safety of the process.

Public participation is encouraged, especially within the first crucial hours of a disappearance, to improve chances of recovery. Reports can also be filed via 999 or the Missing Children Cell hotline.

Bangladesh Deploys MUN Alert with Global Support to Trace Missing Children

Bangladesh’s new child safety initiative MUN Alert was launched with international collaboration, including support from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Meta, to help locate missing children more quickly.

The system works by issuing verified emergency notifications to the public through mobile apps, media partners, and digital infrastructures whenever a child goes missing or is suspected of being abducted. A toll-free helpline 13219 will operate round-the-clock to gather information.

Authorities say this coordinated, tech-backed effort strengthens Bangladesh’s child protection framework and enables immediate public involvement in rescue actions.

‘MUN Alert’ Services Go Live to Act Against Rising Child Disappearances

The Criminal Investigation Department has launched MUN Alert, a special emergency alert system to help tackle the widespread issue of child disappearances and abductions in Bangladesh. Named in memory of a missing child case, the service issues alerts and rapidly informs the public through multiple channels.

Alongside MUN Alert, a 24/7 toll-free helpline number 13219 has been set up to receive reports instantly. According to CID officials, the system is expected to dramatically improve the speed and coordination of response efforts nationwide.

The initiative also includes digital notifications through high-visibility platforms such as mobile SMS, social media, billboards and other public screens.