Khaleda said this while she was speaking at a function on the occasion of unveiling the foundation plaque of a multi-storey commercial building of Bangladesh Police Welfare Trust at Gulshan in the city.

"Now there is no oppression by 'godfathers' in the country, there is no government-backed terrorism. The law and order situation is much better now than any time in the past... Now people can sleep in peace, can move around freely," she added.

"Police force is an indispensable and important element in the democratic system. Considering this importance, we've done everything possible from the government in protecting your interest and for your welfare and development," she said.

"You'll also always try to maintain safe and peaceful environment as desired by the people... it is the expectation of all," Khaleda said.

She mentioned that 17,500 additional police have been recruited in the last five years and her government approved a policy for recruiting 30,000 more in the next five years.

"We also approved raising the number of police stations in the capital to 51 from the previous 22. Already work has started in 11 new police stations," Khaleda said.

She said Police Welfare Trust have been formed for welfare of the members of police force and their families, and the government allotted three bighas of land in Gulshan for the trust considering its importance.

Housing and Public Works Minister Mirza Abbas, State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzamnan Babar and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Anwarul Iqbal were present at the function.