Safipur, Gazipur: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged all including the members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP to stay alert to check militancy, terrorism and drugs in the country alongside working together to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh.

‘We’ll have to remain always careful to prevent militancy, terrorism and drugs in the country,’ she told the 39th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) at its academy here this morning.

The premier also directed Bangladesh Ansar and VDP personnel to work together with hard labour and honesty to keep up the country’s development spree.

‘As the biggest force of the country, you’ll have to work unitedly with hard labour to continue advancement of our development … you’ll also have to discharge duties reposed on you with utmost honesty, courage and sincerity,’ she said.

Reminding the Ansar and VDP members that peaceful and stable environment is a pre-condition for the country’s overall development, the premier said they are an important partner for maintaining this atmosphere.

On the occasion, the prime minister inspected a spectacular parade of smartly-turned out contingent of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP riding on an open jeep and took salute.

Earlier on her arrival at the parade ground of the academy, the prime minister was received by Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Secretary of the Public Security Division under the Home Ministry Mostafa Kamal Uddin, and Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General Kazi Sharif Kaikobad and the Commandant of the academy.

Ministers, the deputy speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, advisers to the Prime Minister, parliament members, chiefs of the three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were also present at the function.