They said the move is aimed at giving police 'more credibility'. But the stain of perennial corruption that has come to be long associated with the old uniform, a stain that has earned police the dubious distinction of being the world's most corrupt organisation, will linger on in all likelihood, giving corruption an all new colour, sources observed.

The home ministry recently gave directives for the change considering the fact that the colour combination of the police uniform is being widely used by private citizens as well as security firms, making it difficult for police to stand out from others.

As for all metropolitan police departments, their forces will wear short-sleeved olive shirts and navy blue trousers.

A paramilitary combat dress easily distinguishable from Army and Bangladesh Rifles uniforms will also replace the khaki of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), a home ministry official said.

The new dresses have already been ordered and should be available in January next year unless shortage of dress materials causes a delay, home ministry and police sources said.

Participants in Police Week parade at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the second week of January have been asked to provide their measurements for the new uniform. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be chief guest at the function.

Several police officials were seen giving measurements for the new uniform at the Polwel (police welfare) market recently.

Sources said the police needs 3.7 lakh yards of fabric annually for its uniform requirements. Policemen from sub-inspectors down get two sets of uniform every year while other officials are allocated a yearly allowance.

Earlier this year, a bid for purchase of fabrics at Tk 71 a yard had to be cancelled because the bidder could have supplied only 60,000 metres (about 65,600 yards) of dress materials. The price, which has gone up since then and now stands at Tk 108 a yard, is being negotiated, police officials said.