60 lakh Ansar, VDP men to combat militancy

The government plans to deploy around 60 lakh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) members countrywide to combat militancy and improve law and order.
“On the prime minister's directive, a process is now underway to make rules specifying the duties and jurisdictions of Ansar and VDP ” Home Minister Sahara Khatun told the House yesterday in reply to lawmakers' queries.
There are 59.42 lakh Ansar and VDP members across the country, she said.
Responding to a query, the home minister said the government has also moved to purchase modern equipment including tele-monitoring system with data identification and analysis facilities, and set up a modern DNA laboratory for strengthening investigation and detection of criminals to improve law and order.
Purchase of arms and equipment for police is also in process to gear up activities of police.
The home minister said 155 closed-circuit cameras have been installed at 59 places in the capital to improve traffic situation.
And use of these cameras in phases to detect crimes and criminals is under consideration.
Moreover, the government has planned setting up more police stations and investigation centres, Sahara said.
Steps have been taken to purchase modern bomb disposal equipment for Rapid Action Battalion to strengthen its bomb disposal unit. Besides, modern equipment for its forensic laboratory is being purchased , she mentioned.
VACANT POSTS IN MISSIONS
In response to a query, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said nine posts of high commissioner and ambassador are now vacant in the country's missions abroad. The missions are in Islamabad, Ankara, Cairo, Nairobi, Mascot, Berlin, Bangkok, Jakarta and Tripoli.
New envoys will soon join the missions in Berlin, Bangkok, Mascot and Jakarta. Appointment of the other envoys is in process, she added.