The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) on Saturday said its personnel enforce security directives issued by the authorities of the institutions where they are deployed and are not responsible for setting security policies, following recent misunderstandings involving journalists at several government offices.
In a statement, the force said Ansar members perform security duties at various government and private institutions by implementing the security guidelines, policies and existing laws set by the respective authorities.
The clarification came after incidents involving journalists and Ansar personnel at hospitals, passport offices, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and other institutions. The force said partial video clips of the incidents had circulated on social media without full context, creating confusion and varying interpretations among the public.
According to the statement, access to sensitive government installations, photography and information gathering at such facilities are subject to institutional security policies and relevant laws. Ansar members on duty merely implement those directives and do not make independent decisions regarding access or restrictions.
The force reiterated its respect for the role of a free, objective and professional media in a democratic society, saying the press plays a vital role in exposing irregularities, highlighting issues of public interest and strengthening institutional accountability.
At the same time, it said safeguarding national security, public interest and the security of key installations is equally important, adding that both responsible journalism and compliance with security regulations are essential components of a democratic system.
To avoid misunderstandings, the statement suggested that journalists coordinate with the relevant authorities before collecting information or conducting reporting activities at sensitive government facilities.
The Ansar and VDP expressed hope that stronger coordination among institutional authorities, Ansar personnel, media professionals and other stakeholders, together with mutual respect, professionalism and legal awareness, would help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The force also said it does not seek to obstruct freedom of expression or the lawful professional activities of journalists and reaffirmed its commitment to working cooperatively with all stakeholders to ensure national security and public safety.
