Desk Report:
The 46th national gathering of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force (VDP) was held in Safipur, Kaliakair Upazila of Gazipur. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the gathering as the chief guest at the parade ground of Ansar-VDP Academy on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) morning. He inaugurated the program by laying a wreath at the martyrs’ memorial and later addressed the gathering.
In his speech, the Prime Minister said that following the chain of command and discipline is essential for a disciplined force. He warned that even a slight lack of discipline can create a crisis of trust in the public mind. He also said that through the professionalism, patriotism and discipline of the force, Ansar and VDP will be able to play a stronger role in the future as a technology-based, humanitarian and social development-oriented force.
The Prime Minister said that Ansar and VDP have already become a multi-dimensional people-oriented force through public involvement and contribution to security and development activities at the grassroots level. Referring to the situation after the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, she said that at that time, the members of the force successfully performed various duties including guarding police stations, traffic management and ensuring the security of important installations. At the same time, they have also played an active role in increasing social awareness, disaster management and technology-based services.
Recalling the contribution of the Ansar force in the Liberation War, the Prime Minister said that about 40,000 members took part in the Liberation War with rifles and 670 were martyred. She prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs.
After the rally, the Prime Minister visited the weaving and weaving industry, pottery, cattle farms and Japanese language education training center in the academy premises and toured the training programs. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid Habib, Prime Minister’s Defense Advisor ATM Shamsul Islam, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, along with members of parliament and senior government officials were present at the event. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary to the Home Ministry and Director General of Ansar and VDP welcomed the Prime Minister.
