Own Correspondent: In a message given on the occasion of the 44th National Assembly of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Forces, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Forces to play a leading role in building a smart Bangladesh.

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The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction knowing that the 44th National Assembly of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Forces-2024 is being held on Monday (February 12) and congratulated and congratulated the officers and employees of all levels of the forces on the occasion of the National Assembly.

Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Forces established in 1948 have a glorious history. The active participation of this force in the language movement and the Great War of Liberation was significant. Responding to the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali of all time, the members of this force jumped into the great liberation war. At the beginning of the liberation war, Ansar members handed over 40 thousand three-not-three rifles kept in their arsenal to the freedom fighters. On April 17, 1971, 12 Bir Ansar members presented a 'Guard of Honour' to the first government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh at Amrakanan in Mujibnagar, which brought glory to the force.

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The Prime Minister also said that the A-League government has taken various steps to modernize and increase the capacity of this force. Provisions have been made for introduction of new uniforms for force personnel, provision of family rations, increase in ration material for common Ansars, introduction of state medals in recognition of bravery and service, creation of new posts in various grades for officers, promotion of TIs and overseas training of officers, staff and battalion members. In addition, formation of new Ansar battalions with a specialized guard battalion, reduction of tenure of battalion Ansar members and raising of pay grades of three ranks of Ansar battalions. Modernization steps have been taken in all areas including the infrastructure of the force. As a part of this, the construction of buildings with modern facilities is already underway at the range, district and upazila levels.

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The Prime Minister expressed the hope that every member of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Forces, inspired by the love of the country and the spirit of the great liberation war, would keep the reputation, tradition and dignity of the forces intact, contribute more to the peace and order of the country and the nation, and contribute more to the overall socio-economic development of the father of the nation's dream, the golden Bangladesh i.e. smart. Bangladesh will play a leading role in the reconstruction.