A high-level mission comprising specialists from home and abroad has been formed in this regard, Home Ministry and UNDP sources said yesterday.

The three-member mission is carrying out the assessment, which is expected to provide the basis to make the police more effective as well as implementing strategies for better law and order.

Dr Rowan Barnsley, former director of programmes at the Australian Institute of Police has been made the team leader of the mission, while A S M Shahjahan, former IGP, secretary and advisor to caretaker government, is the deputy team leader.

Glenn Crannage having international policing experience from Australia who is currently serving as the major police and justice sector improvement in Cambodia and Fiji, is the third member of the mission.

The mission will place specific emphasis on rule of law, access to justice and human security. The role of police will be considered in the context of broader criminal justice system, a UNDP press release said.

"Improvement of police efficiency and effectiveness is a priority of the government," Home Secretary Muhammad Omar Farooq said.

He said the government has already approved in principle a preparatory assistance project styled "Strengthening Human Security in Bangladesh" to support the mission.

A key task of the mission will be to hold widespread consultation with key stakeholders including home ministry, police force, concerned national institutions and agencies, NGOs and civil societies, community and business representatives.