The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force (Ansar-VDP) observed National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7 with a call for patriotism, national unity and collective responsibility to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.
Various programmes were organised at the force's headquarters and units across the country to mark the day. The programmes included hoisting the national flag, reading messages from the President and the Prime Minister, a special assembly (Darbar) and a prayer session.
Speaking at a programme at the headquarters, Ansar-VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud highlighted the historical significance of November 7 and provided guidelines on the force's development, member welfare and future plans.
He said November 7 was an important chapter in Bangladesh's history, reflecting national unity, the protection of independence and sovereignty, and collective awakening.
He recalled that amid political instability and national uncertainty following independence in 1971, the collective solidarity of soldiers and civilians was demonstrated on November 7, 1975, with a commitment to safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty.
He said the spirit of national unity and the determination to protect sovereignty that emerged under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman carried significant importance in the country's national life.
One of the key lessons of the day, he said, was that national unity, mutual trust and collective efforts could help the country overcome any crisis and adversity.
He also referred to the 2024 mass uprising led by students and the public, saying it had renewed people's aspirations for rights and justice.
Highlighting the role of the force, the Director General said the Village Defence Party (VDP), established on the basis of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's People's Warfare Doctrine, was an important organisational structure for participatory defence and social development.
Around 6 million members of the Ansar-VDP contribute to national security, social order, disaster response, humanitarian assistance and development activities from remote rural areas to urban centres, he said.
He added that the force's responsibilities extended beyond security services to socioeconomic development, self-employment, financial independence and social transformation.
On institutional development and member welfare, Major General Sazzad Mahmud said the force was making continuous progress in training, skills development, technology adoption and professionalism.
He noted that its training programmes at home and abroad were earning recognition, enhancing members' capabilities and creating new employment opportunities internationally.
He also highlighted the contribution of the Ansar-VDP Development Bank to improving the living standards, financial independence and entrepreneurial capacity of VDP members.
He recalled with respect the role of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in the institutional development and expansion of the bank under her direct supervision.
The Director General expressed deep respect and gratitude to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for their contributions to strengthening the foundation and development of the force.
Calling on members to uphold the spirit of national unity and solidarity and the Prime Minister's vision of "Bangladesh First", he said national interests, public security and public welfare must remain the driving forces behind all activities.
He urged Ansar and VDP members to perform their duties with neutrality, honesty, dedication and professionalism to prevent disorder, sabotage and provocation and maintain peace, discipline and stability.
Describing members' lives and career development as a "Complete Package of Life", he said self-sacrifice, dedication, responsibility, skills development and financial independence were essential elements of a fulfilling life.
He said the force aimed to establish an integrated support system for its members through training, employment, financial assistance, social security and self-employment opportunities.
In conclusion, he called on all members to work together in the face of challenges and uphold discipline, loyalty, patriotism, honesty and self-sacrifice while prioritising national interests.
He also stressed the need to transform the force into a modern, efficient, people-friendly and humanitarian organisation committed to protecting the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.
Ansar-VDP Additional Director General Brigadier General Mamunur Rashid, senior officials from the headquarters and members of the force attended the programme.
