How to File a General Diary (GD) in Bangladesh

How to File a General Diary (GD) in Bangladesh

A General Diary (GD) is a written record maintained at police stations in Bangladesh to document information related to non-cognizable offences, missing persons, lost documents, security concerns, or any incident requiring future reference or preventive action. Filing a GD is often the first step in seeking police assistance or establishing a legal record.

Legal Basis

Although there is no standalone statute governing GDs, the practice is derived from:

• Police Regulations of Bengal, 1943
• Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 (especially for non-cognizable offences under Section 155)

GDs are precautionary records that can later support investigations or legal proceedings.

When to File a GD

You can file a GD for the following reasons:

• Loss of mobile phone, passport, NID, or documents
• Missing person
• Security threat or fear of harm
• Domestic violence (non-urgent or ongoing)
• Suspicious activity or harassment
• To notify change of residence or travel abroad
• Breach of agreement (non-cognizable)

A GD can be filed against a known or unknown person, or simply to document an incident.

Where to File a GD

A GD must be filed at the local police station (Thana) where:

• The incident occurred
• The complainant resides or is located
• The lost item was last seen or used

Step-by-Step GD Filing Procedure

1. Drafting the GD Application

Prepare a written statement in Bangla or English with the following:

• Complainant’s full name, address, NID/passport number
• Date, time, and place of the incident
• Description of the incident (what happened, who was involved)
• Any supporting information (witnesses, documents, etc.)
• Request for record or action

For lost items, include serial numbers, ID numbers, or passport numbers as applicable.

2. Visit the Police Station

Go to the duty officer’s desk at the relevant Thana. Carry your NID, passport, or other ID and any supporting documents.

3. Submission and Entry

• The duty officer will register the GD in the General Diary book.
• You will receive a GD number (Entry No.) and a signed acknowledgment copy.

If urgent, request for immediate action (e.g., tracing a missing person or securing a location).

Online GD Filing (Partial Service)

The Bangladesh Police has introduced an online GD platform for limited categories such as:

• Lost mobile phone
• Lost documents (passport, ID card, etc.)

Website:

👉 https://gd.police.gov.bd

Process:

1. Register using NID and mobile number
2. Fill in the GD form with incident details
3. Upload necessary documents (if any)
4. Submit and download GD acknowledgment

Note: Online GDs may still require follow-up at the local Thana for verification or action.

What Happens After Filing a GD?

• The GD is recorded but does not initiate an investigation unless a cognizable offence is discovered.
• Police may take preventive steps or monitor the situation.
• In case of escalation (e.g., threat becomes assault), the GD supports further legal action or FIR filing.
• A GD can also serve as evidence in court if linked to a later offence or dispute.

Difference Between GD and FIR

Feature	General Diary (GD)	First Information Report (FIR)
Nature of offence	Non-cognizable or general record	Cognizable offence (serious crime)
Police power	No immediate investigation	Triggers criminal investigation
Filing authority	Local police station	Local police station
Legal consequence	Record only	Leads to arrest/investigation
Examples	Lost item, travel, threats	Murder, rape, theft, serious fraud

Summary Checklist

Requirement	Details
Who can file	Any person with relevant information
Documents needed	NID/passport, written application
Language	Bangla or English
Where to file	Local police station or online portal
Is there a fee?	No official fee
Is GD a complaint?	No, it is a preventive legal record

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Filing a GD is an important legal safeguard in Bangladesh. It can serve as a foundation for civil or criminal claims, visa or passport reissuance, or proving timely reporting in legal matters.