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Prime Minister Khaleda Zia directed the police force to adopt all measures to bring the bombers and their patrons to book and not to give them even the minimum of concession, report agencies.
"The bomb terrorists and their patrons are enemies of the country and the people. They are the enemies of development and democracy. They want to destroy the constitution", said Prime Minister while inaugurating the Police Week -2006 at Rajarbagh Police Lines Wednesday in the city.
"When we are trying hard to build a happy, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh, a misguided quarter started bomb attacks targeting different institutions of the state to obstruct the development activities," she said.
Calling the bombers and their masterminds enemies of the country, democracy and development, Khaleda Zia said they want to wreck the constitution too.
"I would like to tell you in clear and categorical terms to take all out steps to bring the bombers and their patrons to book. Don't give them any concession," she said.
She also said the police were already successful to nab a number of enemies. She paid tribute to 33 policemen who lost their lives last year while discharging duties.
"Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been formed to face the challenge. Highway police unit has been introduced," she said referring to different measures, including providing 2,844 vehicles, for making the force more skilled and dynamic.
Reminding the immense responsibility of the police, she said their task of the police have become more challenging and risky compared to any previous time. She hoped the police force would be able to uphold their flag of tradition and pride in the way they had set examples of patriotism and dedication on different occasions.
About allegations against the police, the Prime Minister said where public expectation from the police is high, there is also no limit to complaints. She, however, said none wants to see the image of the police tarnished for only a few dishonest and corrupt member of the police force.
"If there is any allegation of wrongdoing and illegal activities, that must be taken into cognisance and the offender must be punished under the law," she said, adding such action would restore people's confidence and dependence on the police.
"Development depends on the success of the police. Foreign and domestic investment, employment, production, export, trade and commerce rely on peaceful, secured and stable atmosphere."
The Prime Minister announced police stations in Dhaka metropolis would be increased to 51 and there will also be a women police station. Process is underway to set up 36 "model thanas" and all police stations would be brought under the scheme in phases.
About 2,000 new apartments were being constructed in Dhaka City for accommodation of policemen starting from Constables to Sub-inspectors, she told the function.
Ministers, MPs, Chiefs of the three services, diplomats, elite and senior police officials were present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister said the capability and efficiency of the police have increased manifold due to various reforms and logistic supports provided by the government.
Earlier, Khaleda Zia distributed Police Medals among 52 recipients for their best performance. Of them, seven (two posthumous) were given Bangladesh Police Medal and eleven the President's Police Medal for their courage and gallantry.
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