DHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh is set to introduce its first national emergency alert system—Missing Urgent Notification (MUN Alert)—to speed up the rescue of missing and abducted children.

Alongside this initiative, a 24/7 toll-free helpline—13219—is being officially introduced to receive information related to missing children across the country.

CID Chief Additional Inspector General Sibgat Ullah made the disclosure at a press briefing in its headquarters today.

The MUN Alert system has been developed under the leadership of the Missing Children Cell of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Bangladesh Police, with technical and coordination support from the Zero Missing Children Platform and international collaboration from the Amber Alert for Bangladesh team.

The initiative draws inspiration from the globally recognized AMBER Alert system, first launched in the United States following the 1996 abduction and murder of child Amber Hagerman.

Similar systems are now in place across Europe and in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, China, Nigeria, Kenya and Pakistan.

International research shows that the first few hours after a child goes missing are critical, and timely, verified alerts significantly increase the chances of safe recovery.

In the context of Bangladesh, tragic incidents—including the disappearance and murder of five-year-old Muntaha Akhter in Sylhet in 2024—have underscored the urgent need for a fast, integrated and technology-driven response mechanism.

Under the MUN Alert system, when there is reasonable suspicion that a child is missing or abducted, the CID will issue an emergency alert based on verified information.

The alert may be disseminated through an official web portal and mobile app, online and offline media, social media platforms, digital billboards, mobile SMS or cell broadcasting, and other technology-based channels to ensure widespread public awareness and participation.

Authorities emphasized that the dignity, safety and privacy of the child will remain paramount throughout the process.

Members of the public can report information about missing children through the national emergency service 999, the Missing Children Cell hotline (01320017060), or the newly launched toll-free helpline 13219. 

The authority to verify information, assess risk levels, and issue, suspend or withdraw alerts will rest solely with the Missing Children Cell of the CID. 

Where necessary, Yellow Notices may be issued through INTERPOL in cases involving risks of cross-border movement or child trafficking.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)—the organization that manages the global Amber Alert system—and Meta (Facebook), working closely with the CID and the Zero Missing Children Platform.

Stakeholders expressed strong optimism that the launch of MUN Alert will establish a state-led, technology-based and integrated national framework for rescuing missing children, significantly strengthening child protection and access to justice in Bangladesh.