The deputy commissioners should play an active role in enhancing coordination and cooperation between the police and other departments, the minister said at the conference of DCs in the city.

He also asked the DCs to arrest the criminals whoever they maybe and whatever position they may occupy.

The minister said police verification is a must before issuing any firearm licence.

Law and order was at its low during the tenure of previous government and the present government was facing a tough time in bringing the situation back to normal, he said.

The minister also referred to the success of the joint drives -- 'Operation Clean Heart', 'Nirapad Upakul' in the coastal area, 'Operation Golden Tiger' against the pirates in the Sundarbans and the joint operation 'Spider Web' against the terrorists in the southwestern region.

He said about 3,000 people have been convicted in 1,535 cases under the Speedy Trail Act so far.

To enhance the efficiency of the law enforcing agencies, he said, the government has created 5,768 posts for the police and two battalions have been incorporated into Bangladesh Rifles (BDR).

Arms, transport, logistics and other facilities for the police are also being modernised and improved, he added.

The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), an elite 5,000-plus anti-crime force drawn from police, army, navy and air force, will start its operation within next two months, the minister said.

After the meeting, the home minister told the journalists that 1800 vehicles would be provided to strengthen the activities of the police force.