The Ansar and the Village Defense Party (VDP) members have aided the law enforcers with intelligence in countering the sudden attacks of the Jamaat-Shibir and some militant groups active at the grassroots, the police told a parliamentary watchdog Sunday. In a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on home ministry, the watchdog suggested increasing the number of Ansar and VDP (Village Defense Party) across the country to complement police in tracking the clandestine activities of the militant groups at grass-root level.
Police told the watchdog that around six million Ansar-VDP members deployed at the remotest areas have been a great aid to them. It appreciated the active support of Ansar-VDP in countering militant groups, especially the sudden attacks of Jamaat-Shibir.
The watchdog suggested increasing the number of Ansar-VDP for strengthening vigil on the remotest areas as police is not always in a position to track criminals in those areas.
Jatiya Party MP and committee member Mujibul Haque told reporters that his committee had recommended introducing four new battalions of Ansar-VDP so they could enhance the intelligence activities of the police and other law enforcing agencies.
He said: “The police have limited number of personnel; so they cannot track the militants at the grassroots. But the Ansar-VDP members are deployed even at the remotest areas.”
“They should have more roles to play in providing information on criminal activities to the law enforcers,” he added.
Sayedul Haque, the committee chair presided over the meeting.
He said: “We praise your [Ansar-VDP members] sincerity and sacrifice in fighting against militancy and violence. But you have to be more careful in dealing with the increasing volume of militancy and extremism.”
He said police could do everything if they were sincere enough.
