To implement the project a four-member police team visited Singapore recently to learn more about how the police system works in an advanced country. Sources said following the report submitted by the team, the authorities have moved fast. A building with modern facilities and equipment has been constructed on Phoenix Road just opposite the police head quarters.

"Once the control room is up and running, the police personnel will be under close supervision. It will also increase the skill and ability of policemen in countering criminals as they will get necessary information and instruction within a very short time. Any negligence in duty will also be easier to spot and prompt action could be taken," said DMP commissioner SM Mizanur Rahman.

"Criminal activities will hopefully come down after the setting up of this control room," said Rahman. Sources said that the close circuit cameras would be placed near points that have been identified as crime- prone zones. The hidden cameras will be linked to the control room.

The police control room at Shahbagh will be transferred to the modern control room.

"It has not been decided yet how many cameras will be set up. The locations have not been finalised also," said deputy commissioner of traffic police (South) Anseruddin Khan Pathan.

The government had decided to install close circuit cameras ahead of the SAARC conference which was due last November. The plan was deferred following the postponement of the regional conference.

"There is no relation between beefing up security for SAARC summit and the present initiative of installing the close circuit cameras," said the commissioner.