Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party have a glorious history. The active participation of this force in the language movement and the great war of liberation were significant.
He hoped that every member of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP would play a pioneering role in building the golden Bangladesh of the Father of the Nation's dream by maintaining patriotism and the great war of liberation and maintaining peace, order and overall socio-economic development.
The Prime Minister said this in a message issued on the occasion of 'Bangladesh Ansar and VDP founding anniversary and 42nd National Rally-2022'. On this occasion, she extended her best wishes and congratulations to the officers and employees and members of all levels of the force.
Responding to the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the members of this force jumped into the great war of liberation. On 17 April 1971, 12 brave Ansar members honored the first government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh with a 'Guard of Honor' at Amrakan in Mujibnagar. We pay our deepest respects to all the martyrs including Bahasa Shahid Ansar Commander Abdul Jabbar and 670 heroic Ansar who sacrificed their lives in the great war of liberation.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party are one of the partners in all development activities and success of the country. This well-organized force is making an invaluable contribution to various social activities including security of important governmental and non-governmental organizations, family planning, public health, disaster management, environmental protection, tree planting, prevention of trafficking in women and children and maintaining law and order. The multifaceted developmental activities of this force of about 61 lakh members for the empowerment of women, welfare of the people and formation of a developed nation is truly commendable. Also in sports and cultural activities, the members of this force have left their mark of outstanding achievement.
She said the Awami League government has taken various steps to modernize and increase the capacity of the force. Introduction of new uniforms for the members of the force, provision of family rations, increase in the ration of General Ansar, introduction of state medals in recognition of bravery and service, creation of new posts in different grades for officers, promotion of TIs and overseas training of officers, staff and battalion members.
The Prime Minister also said that a new Ansar Battalion including a specialized guard battalion has been formed, the tenure of Battalion Ansar members has been reduced and the salary grade of three posts of Ansar Battalion has been upgraded. As part of this, construction of buildings with modern facilities is already underway at range, district and upazila level.
Sheikh Hasina said the members of this force are dedicated and always active in national and local elections, various religious festivals and any need of national importance. At the beginning of the global pandemic corona infection, public awareness activities, distribution of masks and leaflets, harvesting of farmers' crops during labor crises, distribution of relief and assistance to the patients coming to the hospital. The courageous initiative of the members of the force is really commendable.
The Prime Minister wished for the overall success of 'Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party's founding anniversary and 42nd National Rally-2022'.