Stable political, economic situation needed for development: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked Ansar and VDP personnel to discharge duties with honesty and courage to maintain peace to ensure the security of people and their investment to build a prosperous and developed Bangladesh.

"I ask you all to work hard with passion and honesty to continue our development spree," she said while addressing Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP)’s 44th National Assembly-2024 at its academy as the chief guest on Monday.

The premier said the Ansars will have to discharge duties properly as the members of the country's largest force.

"You will have to face any ill attempt with honesty, bravery and sincerity to ensure public security," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said ensuring people's security, protecting investment and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere are the sacred duties for all to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country.

She also recalled the contribution of the force with gratitude to maintain peace facing the BNP-Jamaat mayhem in 2013, 2014 and 2023.

"The precondition of the overall development of Bangladesh is to maintain a peaceful political and economic situation and continue the democratic process. I urge all to comply with it," she said.

The premier said her government has made massive development in the last 15 years in the country as the people witnessed gigantic infrastructure uplift and a hundred per cent electrification.

"Even, self-confidence is created among the people (for the changed Bangladesh with huge development) and that was my only goal. Because no nation can move ahead without self-confidence," she said.

Bangladesh has the capability to face any situation, she added.

The head of the government said Bangladesh is forwarding and will continue its journey of becoming a poverty and hunger-free developed, prosperous, smart and Sonar Bangladesh envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The young generation is the soldier of transforming Bangladesh into a smart country that will enable them as smart citizens of Bangladesh, she said.

The premier said her government has been implementing Delta Plan-2100 to provide the new generation with an improved life up to the village level after facing the climate impacts.

Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Public Security Division Senior Secretary Md Mustafizur Rahman, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General AKM Aminul Haque and Commandant of the Ansar and VDP Academy Md. Nurul Hassan Faridee welcomed the prime minister on her arrival at the venue.

Sheikh Hasina handed over different medals in various categories to 170 Ansar and VDP members for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

She also inspected different contingents of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP riding in an open car.

She, as well, witnessed a spectacular parade of smartly-turned-out contingents of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP.

Later, the premier witnessed choreography and cultural programmes.