Dhaka: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to assume a more significant role in maintaining law and order at the grassroots level while contributing to nation-building activities. This appeal was made during a courtesy call at Bangabhaban by Director General of Ansar-VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud.
According to United News of Bangladesh, during the meeting, the President commended the force for their contributions to public security, especially following the July 2024 mass uprising and the 13th parliamentary elections. He emphasized the importance of enhancing professionalism, discipline, and public engagement among Ansar members, and stressed the need for equipping them with skills in foreign languages, technical areas, and technology to make them employment-ready.
The Ansar director general congratulated President Mirza Fakhrul on his new role and provided an overview of the force’s activities. He highlighted quality training programs designed to create employment opportunities both domestically and internationally, and detailed initiatives such as developing a member database, microcredit programs, and solar power generation at the grassroots level. Sazzad Mahmud also sought the President’s guidance and support in fulfilling the force’s responsibilities.
President Mirza Fakhrul described Ansar-VDP as the nation’s largest security force with significant public engagement. He reflected on the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in reforming the Ansar force and establishing the Ansar Battalion. He also acknowledged former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in modernizing the force by enacting laws and establishing Ansar Bank.
The President lauded the force’s involvement in solar power generation, human resource development, sports, cultural activities, and various community-oriented initiatives. He called for the implementation of more programs and activities in the future. Assuring his continued support, the President vowed to back the development of the force throughout his tenure.
The meeting was attended by the President’s secretaries and senior officials concerned.