Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.) said that security and development are essential for building a just, integrated and non-discriminatory state. And the Ansar Force is playing an important role in this security and development. This force, which extends to the grassroots administrative level of the country, is making a far-reaching contribution in this regard by building a safe social structure, establishing fundamental rights and bringing social development activities to the doorsteps of the people.
The advisor said these things while speaking as the chief guest at the 45th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force-2025 at the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, Gazipur on Wednesday (February 12, 2025) morning.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani was present as a special guest at the program chaired by Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud.
The advisor said that the contribution of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force, which was formed with the vow of serving the country, to the social security system is undeniable. He said that this force has a total of 42 Ansar battalions, including 39 male Ansar battalions, 2 female Ansar battalions, and a specialized Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB). Out of them, members of 16 Ansar battalions are performing their duties shoulder to shoulder with the army, BGB, and police as a dependent supporting force in ‘Operation Uttaran’ to maintain peace and order in the remote hilly areas. In order to strengthen social harmony and non-communal bonds, the members of this force are integrating with the local administration in various religious events including the autumn Durga Puja and are fulfilling any responsibility assigned by the state with confidence.
Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) said, the vigilant members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force are working closely with the upazila administration to prevent land grabbers, anti-adulteration campaigns and establish a drug-free society. The role of this force is visible in providing security to the country’s diplomatic missions to create an investment-friendly environment in the country and to keep Bangladesh’s image intact in the outside world. The specially trained Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB) members of this force are playing a role in providing security to important installations including KPI. Moreover, Ansar-VDP members are playing a very important role in serving humanity in all natural and man-made disasters within the country.
The advisor also said that in addition to social security, the platform of this largest force in the country is playing an effective role in developing the youth as small entrepreneurs under the future employment and social business. The village-based basic training of the force has been brought under the modern syllabus and up-to-date policies, where the largest volunteer organization, VDP, has been digitized and new infrastructure has been added. He said that special initiatives have been taken to inspire the new youth in the basic spirit of serving the country in a short time. The force is also considering a plan to create employment for one lakh people in cooperation with various institutions including Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Center (BITAC), giving priority to the youth.
He expressed the hope that the Battalion Ansar, Integrated Ansar and VDP members will get inspiration to serve the country with new enthusiasm by increasing their capacity in their respective fields to establish internal peace and order and good governance in the country.
At the gathering, the Advisor presented medals to 18 officers, employees and members of the Village Defense Force in recognition of their meritorious and commendable work.
It is worth noting that this year, a total of 156 people, including officers, employees, Ansar battalion members and members of other ranks, have been awarded medals in 8 categories in 4 categories of service and bravery.
Later, the advisor planted trees in the Ansar Academy premises, participated in a photo session and visited the cottage industry exhibition.
