The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Safipur

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Tuesday said the ultimate goal of the caretaker government is to give a sustainable foundation for democracy to flourish in the country in long term.

"The government is taking all necessary steps to hold free and fair election within this year. We've taken multi-dimensional initiative also in social uplift and people's welfare," he said at the 28th National Assembly 2008 of Ansar and VDP at the parade ground of Ansar-VDP Academy.

Dr Fakhruddin said so far, it has not been possible to establish a self-reliant prosperous Bangladesh for lack of proper distribution of resources and dedicated initiative. "In last one year, in 2007 after January 11, we've taken a good number of important and farsighted steps considering the national interest. At the same time, we've strengthened our stand against corruption," he told the function.

The head of the caretaker government said massive improvement of law and order has taken place now and also the separation of judiciary from the executive has been accomplished as per directive of the Constitution.

Preparation of voter list with photograph is being implemented smoothly under the supervision of the recast Election Commission, he mentioned.

The Chief Adviser gave a four-point directive to all members of Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) for playing a more vibrant and effective role in building up the country.

As per the directives, Ansar-VDP will have to be more sincere in preventing crimes and ensuring security in economic activities at the grassroots level, as they have scope and opportunity to make more contributions in establishing good governance at grassroots level and establishing reliable and cordial relations with the people and the government.

The directives also include ensuring security of public life through strengthening the local government and building up the Ansar-VDP as a well-knit force for alleviating poverty, expansion of social security network and intensifying efforts to involve members of Ansar-VDP more effectively in facing disaster.

Dr Fakhruddin said all citizens of the country would have to make best efforts from their respective position to turn the beloved motherland into a modern and developed country.

He praised the activities of Ansar, Battalion Ansar and VDP in maintaining law and order, curbing crimes and terrorism, and contributing in socioeconomic development.

Presently, about 30,0000 Ansars are playing courageous role for ensuring security of life and property at airports, seaports, industries and other important establishments, he said. Through this, he added, it was possible to ensure suitable environment for production and investment, which is playing a positive role in keeping the wheels of economy running. The Chief Adviser said the Village Defence Party, apart from helping to maintain law and order for last 32 years, are investing voluntary labour for self-development and accelerating the rural economy. He expressed his firm belief that over 43 lakh trained male and female members of VDP can launch revolution in the field of socioeconomic development in 80,000 villages of Bangladesh. Dr Fakhruddin mentioned the courageous role of the members of Ansar Battalion in curbing terrorism and performing their responsibilities shoulder to shoulder with army in Chittagong Hill Tracts for protecting the country's sovereignty and integrity.

He said that Ansars after passing nearly 60 years and the VDP completing 32 years today have turned into matured forces. Before addressing the function, the Chief Adviser distributed Bangladesh Ansar Padak (Award), Rashtrapati (President) Ansar Padak, Bangladesh VDP Padak and Rashtrapati VDP Padak among Ansars and VDP members for their heroic role in curbing terrorism, crimes and in maintaining law and order as well as outstanding contributions in socioeconomic development.

Earlier, a parade by members of Battalion Ansars, general Ansars, VDP and Town Defence Party, both male and female members, gave a guard of honour to the Chief Adviser at the parade ground. The Chief Adviser inspected the parade from on board an open jeep.

The joint parade in a splendid march past gave salute to the Chief Adviser who took salute from a decorated podium.

Later, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin witnessed a colorful cultural event presented by by the male and female members of Ansars and VDP at the Academy premises.

Earlier, on arrival at the venue, Home Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin and DG Ansar-VDP Maj Gen Abdul Hafiz welcomed and received the Chief Adviser.

Rank and file of Ansar-VDP, distinguished personalities and senior civil and military officials were present at the function.