Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP to remain ready for holding the next elections in a free and peaceful manner.

“We want the next elections be more peaceful. So every member of the Ansar and VDP will have to stay always ready so that the people can exercise their voting rights,” she told the 38th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) at its academy in Gazipur.

The prime minister inspected a parade of Ansar and VDP and took salute.

Terming the Ansar and VDP a disciplined force, Hasina urged its members to maintain law and order at any cost.

She said the force is playing an important role in keeping the youths away from terrorism.

Hasina reiterated her call to the cross section of people to remain alert so that their children do not get involved in terrorism and drug addiction.

After its establishment in 1948, Hasina said the members of the force have been working with sincerity to ensure security.

Later, she joined a “darbar” of the Ansar officers.

The prime minister said the government is considering formation of one battalion each in Cox's Bazar and Faridpur and two battalions on the two sides of the Padma Bridge.

Earlier, Hasina handed over Bangladesh Ansar Medals to six Ansar members, President's Ansar Medals to 20, President's VDP Medals to nine, Bangladesh Ansar Services Medals to 12, President's Ansar Services Medals to 32, Bangladesh VDP Services Medals to 10, President's VDP Services Medals to 37 Ansar members.