President urges Ansar-VDP to play stronger role in security, nation-building
He stresses professionalism, discipline and technology-based training.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to play a more effective role in maintaining law and order at the grassroots level and in nation-building activities.
He made the call during a courtesy meeting with Ansar and VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud at Bangabhaban today (1 September).
Praising the Ansar force's role in ensuring public security following the mass uprising and during the 13th general election, the president stressed enhancing members' professionalism, discipline and engagement with the public.
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He also emphasised providing members with training in foreign languages, technical skills and technology to make them more skilled and employable.
During the meeting, the Ansar and VDP director general congratulated the president on assuming office and briefed him on various activities of the force.
These include providing quality training to Ansar members to facilitate employment at home and abroad, developing a member database, implementing microcredit programmes and generating solar power at the grassroots level.
The director general sought the president's guidance and cooperation in carrying out the force's responsibilities.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described Ansar and VDP as the country's largest security and discipline force with extensive public engagement.
He recalled the contribution of late President Ziaur Rahman to reforming the Ansar force, particularly through the establishment of Ansar battalions.
The president also recalled with respect former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's role in modernising the Ansar force, enacting various laws and establishing Ansar Bank.
He praised the force's contributions to solar power generation, human resource development, sports, culture and public-oriented activities, and called for expanding such programmes and activities in the coming days.
The president assured the Ansar and VDP chief that his cooperation in the development of the force would continue during his tenure.
Secretaries to the president and senior officials were present at the meeting.
