He also said that the government attaches highest priority to bringing quick reforms in the force.

The CA was speaking at the inauguration of Police Week 2007 at Rajarbagh Police Lines.

Addressing the police officers, Fakhruddin said that in keeping with time and to serve the people better, the police force has to undergo changes in their behaviour and modes of activities. There have to be transparency and accountability in the force, he added.

Responding to the various problems of the police members, he assured that the government would take initiatives to solve these in phases, including increasing family rations and risk-allowances.

"The police force has a vital role in implementing the present government's massive reform programmes to establish a society free from corruption and terrorism," the CA said adding that they have to work for the country's socio-economic development as well as to protect the constitutional rights of citizens.

Fakhruddin also stressed the need for capacity building and modernisation of the force to successfully combat sophisticated crimes like money laundering and cyber crimes.

Describing the new Legal Service Delivery system in all police stations of Dhaka Metropolitan Police "revolutionary," the CA said that the police force must ensure its sustainability and extend this service to the rest of the country.

He also lauded the force's active participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping missions and said that they have been commended worldwide for their work in Sierra Leone, Liberia and East Timor, among others.

Fakhruddin also presented Bangladesh Police Medal, the highest national police award, and the President Police Medal awards to the winners.

Earlier, the CA received salutes from a combined parade of Rab, armed police, police of Dhaka and Rajshahi ranges, combined police ranges, railway and highway police, DMP, CMP, combined metropolitan police and Mohila police

The parade was also attended by Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad, caretaker government advisers, chiefs of army, navy and air forces, diplomats, senior civil and military officials and distinguished personalities.

AWARDS
A total of 28 police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) personnel were selected for four separate award categories, including Bangladesh Police Medal and President Police Medal for their outstanding contribution to curb crime and militancy and help improve the law and order in the country in 2006.

Rab members bagged 10 medals while 18 awards went to police.

Eight officials were decorated with the President Police Medal, two of whom received it posthumously.

The award winners' list include Lt Colonel Gulzar Uddin Ahmed, Maj Atikur Rahman, Maj Md Shamsuzzoha, Coln Md Mahbubul Alam Molla, Mr Osman Ghani, Capt Abdullah Al Mansoor Bhuiyan, Mohammad Ali, Lt A B M Foysal Haider, Capt Tanvir Haider of Rab and Md Siraj Mia, Naeem Ahmed, Md Abdul Khaleque, Md Shafiul Azam, Mr Riaz Uddin Ahammed, Kamrul Islam, Md Abdur Rob, Md Shafiur Rahman, S M Kamrul Hasan, Md Shamsuddoha, Md Sayedur Rahman Bhuiyan, Mr Khandaker Nozmul Hasan, Md Mainul Islam, Md Ismail, Md Abdus Samad, Md Shahjalal Mia, Md Harun-Ar-Rashid of Police.

Late Md Jahangir Hossain of Police and Late P C Md Kanchan Ali of Rab were given posthumous award.

Of the awards, seven were given for successful operations against the militants of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh while the rest include successful operation to recover firearms and unearthing criminal syndicates.