The 24-hour service was launched to provide immediate assistance for any caller in distress whether at home or on the streets.

Although many complain that the service is not playing its specified role, the police say the three-shift work goes in full swing.

According to some assistance seekers, the police do not attend to the emergency on the spot and sometimes advise people to go to the nearest police station.

"A gang attacked me to snatch my car on Fuller Road in March. I threw my key on the road in a flash and rang 999 for help. I was advised to go to the nearest police station," said Businessman Hassan Ahmed from Mohammadpur.

"Is this immediate service we seek?" Ahmed asked in exasperation.

An export-import business owner complained that extortionists demanded a toll of Tk 30,000 at work. He called 999 thrice for help but received no response.

"I called the police for help but did not receive any response. After the culprits left was I able to reach 999 to be told that I should contact the nearest police station," said the businessman from Segunbaghicha.

People deal with problems on their own, as they have no confidence in the police. Most business-oriented people have to pay money in tolls for safety.

"Life is more important than wealth. I think it is wise to accept reality," said Sarwar Rahman of Khejurtola in Tejgaon.

"I called 999 to get protection from the threat of a local hoodlum but no action was taken," said Khondaker Kamal Ahmed, a Green Road resident.

The officials of the 999 help line expressed different views. "Everyday we receive some 3,000 telephone calls for help. On receiving the complaints we inform the police control room to help the people in trouble," said Monirul Hassan, a 999 operator. "Sometimes we get false complaints. We do not pay heed if we feel the complaint is not authentic."

"When we find the control room or the patrol police busy, we then advise the complainant to call the local police station," the official said.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Mahbub Hakim (Equipment and Transport) takes care of this help line on behalf of the inspector general of police. "I am not in a position to comment on the issue. But I will request those concerned to be more sincere," he said.

"We are conscious about the help line. The insincerity of operators may be the cause of these complaints. I will issue an immediate order to serve people properly from 999," said DMP Commissioner Ashraful Huda.