Published: 12:00 AM, 20 May 2026
Ansar-VDP played crucial role in holding fair polls: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday said Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party played a commendable role in holding the February 12 general elections in a free, fair and impartial manner.
He said this in a message issued on the eve of the celebration of the 46th National Rally-2026 of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP).
The premier extended heartfelt congratulations and warm greetings to all officers, employees, and the fearless Ansar-VDP members at the grassroots level of this force.
He paid humble tribute to the 670 martyrs of this force who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. The timely role of the members of this force in every national need is remarkable, he mentioned.
He also congratulated every member of this force at all levels for their responsible contribution.
After more than one and a half decades of fascist rule, Bangladesh has embarked on the path of democracy, he said adding the current democratic government is working to institutionalize democracy by establishing equality, human dignity, and social justice in the country. In this journey toward building a self-reliant, humane, and secured Bangladesh, he said, the importance of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party is immense.
Inspired by the proud declaration of Shaheed President and proclaimer of independence Ziaur Rahman "Our hands are millions of weapons; our commitment is to build the nation" and founded on the ideals of public defense and social development, this force has established a strong bridge extending to the grassroots level across the country, he mentioned.
He said Ansar-VDP is working as an inseparable part of the government in building a secure social structure in villages and cities, ensuring the fundamental rights of ordinary people, and implementing various service-oriented activities.
He said through the involvement of the dedicated volunteer members of Ansar-VDP, it is possible to effectively utilize its extensive nationwide network in activities such as tree plantation.
Ansar and VDP can also play an immense role in implementing unique initiatives such as canal excavation for science-based environmental protection and agricultural economic development, flood protection in remote disaster-prone areas, water resource planning, food security for the general public during disasters, and rehabilitation efforts, he addeed.
More than 52,000 embedded Ansar members are tirelessly working to ensure security at important state establishments, including industries, hospitals, and financial institutions, which are the lifelines of our economy, said the premier.
Tarique Rahman said his government believes that youth are the source of strength. The demand-based training and inclusive initiatives undertaken by Ansar and VDP to develop young people not merely as manpower but as skilled entrepreneurs deserve appreciation, he said.
The prime minister hoped Ansar-VDP will play an effective supporting role in building a productive state and society by involving ordinary people in this new model of self-reliance and employment generation.
He also expressed his optimism that inspired by patriotism, the proud members of Ansar-VDP will transform every village in Bangladesh into a center of socio-economic development.
Tarique Rahman wished the courage and dedication of the force become the driving force for building a safe, discrimination-free, and justice-based society.
He also wished continued prosperity for the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party and expressed his full confidence in their brave and effective role in the sacred responsibility of nation-building.
