Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to carry out their responsibilities with strict discipline, professionalism and full adherence to the chain of command, saying public trust in any disciplined force depends on these core principles.
Addressing the 46th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP at the Ansar-VDP Academy in Safipur under Kaliakair Upazila of Gazipur, the Prime Minister said even minor lapses in discipline could damage the credibility and effectiveness of a force.
“In any disciplined force, maintaining discipline and following the chain of command are essential. If these principles weaken, public confidence in the force also declines,” he said.
Tarique Rahman expressed hope that the Ansar-VDP would continue evolving into a modern, technology-driven and humanitarian force through dedication, patriotism and professionalism.
The premier praised the force for its growing contribution to grassroots security, social development and public engagement, noting that Ansar and VDP members played important roles following the mass uprising of 5 August 2024 by guarding police stations, managing traffic and protecting key installations during a critical period.
He said the force has expanded its role beyond law enforcement and is now actively involved in disaster management, social awareness campaigns, anti-drug activities, prevention of child marriage and violence against women, and promoting harmony among ethnic communities.
Highlighting its organisational structure, the Prime Minister said Battalion Ansar, Embodied Ansar, Upazila Ansar and VDP-TDP units have become important components of both national security and rural socio-economic development.
Tarique Rahman also stressed the importance of human resource development and praised the force for introducing modern training programmes in areas such as Japanese language education, digital marketing, freelancing and 6G welding.
“These time-befitting initiatives will further strengthen the institutional capacity of Ansar and VDP at home and abroad,” he said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the force’s role as a dependable “first responder” during floods, fires and other disasters, describing their humanitarian commitment and quick response as exemplary.
Referring to environmentally friendly initiatives, he said the force has undertaken sustainable development activities including rainwater harvesting and installation of solar panels and biogas plants.
He also highlighted Ansar-VDP’s achievements in sports, noting that the organisation received the Independence Award in 2004 after becoming champions in three consecutive Bangladesh Games.
To strengthen security at sporting venues, the government has decided to deploy 379 embodied Ansar members at 10 cricket stadiums across the country, he added.
Remembering the force’s contribution to the Liberation War, Tarique Rahman said around 40,000 Ansar members took part in the war and 670 embraced martyrdom.
Following the programme, the prime minister visited several facilities at the academy, including handloom and weaving units, pottery centres, livestock farms and the Japanese language training centre.
Earlier, he paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the memorial on the academy premises.
