Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and courage to protect public life and property.
The prime minister was addressing the 36th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) at Yead Ali Parade Ground at Ansar-VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur, reported UNB.
In her speech, Hasina hoped that the members Ansar and VDP would remain worthy partners and extend support in the future, as they did in the past, in turning Bangladesh into a poverty and illiteracy-free middle-income country by 2021 and a modern technology-based prosperous developed country by 2041.
“Through this, we will fulfil the dream of our father of the nation in building Sonar Bangla.”
Terming Bangladesh Ansar and VDP a force that belongs to the common people, Hasina said this force has also immense importance as being the country’s biggest and grassroots force.
“Each member of this force is a partner to the country’s development. Some, 42,000 Ansar members have also kept operational the activities of economically important establishment alongside ensuring overall security,” she said.
The prime minister mentioned that the strong participation of Bangladesh Ansar at the recently formed Specialised Force Aviation Security to improve security at the airports is a sign of professional excellence.
She said Ansar members have been assisting in maintaining law and order through curbing terrorism in the country’s southwestern region while Ansar officers are working with good reputation at Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Special Security Force (SSF).
The prime minister also elaborated various steps, including the construction of modern complexes in 15 battalion headquarters at a cost of Tk172 crore, undertaken by her government for the development of the Ansar and VDP force.
On the occasion, an attractive parade of different contingents of Ansar-VDP was arranged with parade commander Deputy Director Mohammad Syfullah Russell.
Earlier on her arrival at the parade ground, Sheikh Hasina was received by Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Senior Home Secretary Dr Mozammel Haque Khan and Ansar and VDP Director General Major General Md Nazim Uddin.
The prime minister also handed over medals to Ansar and VDP officials for their outstanding performance in service.
Later, she attended a cultural programme and an exhibition of handicrafts produced by Ansar and VDP members.
