Gazipur: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP to play a stronger role against the menaces of terrorism, militancy, drug smuggling and its abuse.

‘Terrorism and militancy have now emerged as a global problem. The Ansar and VDP members who especially work in rural areas can play a strong role against terrorism, militancy, drug smuggling and its abuse so that the children and the youths do not walk on such wrong paths,’ she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 37th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) at Yead Ali Parade Ground at Ansar-VDPAcademy in Shafipur, Gazipur.

Sheikh Hasina also renewed her directives to the members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP to perform their duties with utmost honesty, discipline, sincerity and courage to protect public life and property.

Terming Bangladesh Ansar and VDP a force that belongs to the country’s soil and common people, Hasina said this force has set its perfect example time and again in urgent need as a trusted aid of the government. This biggest and disciplined force has always made important contributions to the need of the country from its inception, she said.

The Prime Minister also extended her sincere thanks to the members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP for successfully combating terrorist activities unleashed by the BNP-Jamaat clique during 2013, 2014 and 2015.

During that period, she mentioned, the members of this force made useful contributions to ‘operation rail protection’ alongside protecting highways, assisting in holding the last general election, combating terrorism and militancy with other forces.

Sheikh Hasina said she had already directed the authorities concerned to involve Ansar and VDP in the ongoing ‘One House One Farm’ project which would help alleviate poverty further from the country.