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Published : 20 May 2026, 11:06 AM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed the hope that the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP) will develop into a “tech-based, humanitarian social force” in the future.
He shared his expectations at the force’s 46th National Rally, which began at the Ansar-VDP Academy in Safipur under Gazipur’s Kaliakair Upazila at 10am on Wednesday.
Wishing the force success in its future endeavours, Tarique noted that dedication, discipline, professionalism and deep patriotism would drive the paramilitary and voluntary units toward this digital and humanitarian transition.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Ansar-VDP Director General Maj Gen Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud received the prime minister upon his arrival at the parade ground at 10am.
The prime minister then paid tribute to fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the Martyrs' Memorial before delivering his address to the gathered officers and personnel.
Outlining the administration's modernising framework for the auxiliary forces, he said, "The process of drafting the Ansar Battalion Rules, 2026; VDP Regulations, 2026; Integrated Ansar Rules, 2026 and Ansar Battalion Member Recruitment and Promotion Rules, 2026 is in the final stages. At the same time, initiatives have been taken to formulate the Upazila Ansar Regulations, 2026 to further strengthen the activities of this force at the grassroots level."
"A biometric attendance system has been introduced at the force’s headquarters to further strengthen administrative transparency and discipline, which is an important example of modern and accountable management."
During his visit, the prime minister toured academy facilities, inspecting the force's internal weaving, pottery and cattle farming initiatives, as well as its Japanese language training centre, where he was briefed on overall operations.
Greeting the Ansar and VDP officials, Tarique recalled the glorious role of this force in the Liberation War.
He said, "The Bangladesh Ansar Force has a glorious role in the great Liberation War of Bangladesh. Ansar members took part in the Liberation War, contributing about 40,000 rifles. Six hundred and seventy Ansar Force members were martyred in the Liberation War. I gratefully recall their contribution at the 46th National Convention of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP. I pray for mercy for them in the court of Allah.”
Turning to post-independence history, he said: “After independence, there was a massive deterioration in the law and order situation in the country. An unstable and anarchic situation was created. Martyred president Ziaur Rahman took various steps to re-establish democracy and restore peace and order in the country.
“As part of this, the Ansar Village Defense Force-VDP, which were formed with the aim of maintaining peace and order and strengthening social security at the village and urban levels, were merged and the structure of this force was made stronger, more efficient and effective.”
“This far-sighted step of the proclaimer of independence laid the foundation for transforming Ansar and VDP into today’s multi-dimensional, people-involved and people-defense capable forces.”
He said, “Then, during the Khaleda Zia government, through the enactment of the Ansar-VDP law in 1995, this force was given the status of an independent disciplinary force with a voluntary structure, which is considered a milestone in the institutional development of this force.
“As a result of this groundbreaking step, today’s Ansar and Village Defense Force has been established as a people-oriented defence force and a source of marginal capacity.”
Reflecting on recent events, the prime minister lauded the force for protecting police stations, managing traffic and securing vital state installations during the chaotic period following the July Uprising.
He added that beyond routine policing, the members are actively involved in social awareness, disaster management and digital service delivery.
"Ansar-VDP has considerable experience in protecting the internal security of the country," Tarique said, adding that a strategic action plan drawing on the wisdom of its veterans would make future operations more dynamic.
He urged the force to remain active in guarding critical infrastructure -- including the Chattogram Hill Tracts, government offices, financial institutions, factories and power plants -- while simultaneously fighting social ills like child marriage, anti-women violence and narcotics to foster harmony among diverse ethnic communities.
