The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a balance between national security, public interest, and media freedom, following recent misunderstandings involving Ansar personnel and journalists at several public institutions.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the force said Ansar members deployed at government and private establishments do not enforce personal rules but carry out the security policies, guidelines, and legal directives of the respective authorities.
The statement follows incidents at hospitals, passport offices, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and other institutions where misunderstandings reportedly arose between Ansar personnel and media professionals. According to the force, partial video clips shared on social media have created confusion and led to differing interpretations of the incidents.
The force emphasized that access to sensitive government facilities, photography, and information gathering are subject to the rules and security protocols set by the relevant authorities. Ansar members, it said, are responsible only for implementing those directives.
Reaffirming its respect for a free, independent, and professional media, the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force said journalists play a vital role in promoting transparency, exposing irregularities, and strengthening public accountability in a democratic society.
At the same time, the statement stressed that safeguarding national security, public interest, and the security of key installations is equally important. It encouraged journalists to coordinate with the relevant authorities while conducting reporting activities to help avoid misunderstandings.
The force expressed confidence that greater cooperation, mutual respect, legal awareness, and professional conduct among authorities, Ansar personnel, journalists, and other stakeholders would significantly reduce such incidents in the future. It also reiterated that it does not obstruct lawful journalism or freedom of expression and remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure public safety and national security.
