President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Tuesday hailed the members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) as the “vigilant guardians” of rural Bangladesh, urging them to uphold their distinguished role in maintaining public safety and law and order.
In a message issued on the eve of the 46th National Rally-2026, scheduled for Wednesday, Shahabuddin noted that the force was reorganised following the visionary plans of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
He further highlighted that the Battalion Ansar was established through the enactment of the Ansar-VDP Act, 1995, under the leadership of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, providing the VDP with its legal and organisational foundation.
“As a result of those visionary initiatives, the Ansar-VDP has now become the vigilant guardian of rural Bangladesh,” the president observed.
Acknowledging their recent contributions, the president recalled the efficient performance of Ansar-VDP members, alongside other security forces and the field administration, in ensuring the recent Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls were conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
He expressed his hope that the force would remain a trusted partner in the quest to build a modern, inclusive, and justice-based “New Bangladesh.”
President Shahabuddin paid solemn tribute to the 670 brave Ansar members who embraced martyrdom during the War of Liberation, as well as all those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. He offered prayers for the eternal peace of their departed souls.
The president also underlined the force’s diverse responsibilities, which include securing vital government and private installations, managing disasters, assisting in traffic control, and fostering skilled human resources through technical training for youths and women.
Concluding his message, the President expressed confidence that Ansar-VDP members would continue to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism and discipline, always prioritising the public interest.
