Dhaka: Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) is gearing up for the 13th National Parliamentary Election with a robust deployment plan involving 600,000 members across the nation. Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, the Director General (DG) of Ansar and VDP, emphasized the strategic role these members will play as the initial line of defence at polling centres, working in synergy with other law enforcement bodies.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DG revealed that a digital monitoring system will be implemented for the first time to ensure efficiency and transparency during the election period. This system will store crucial data of each member, including their NID number, QR code, and service records, allowing for real-time tracking of their performance, presence, and conduct while on duty.
Speaking at the Ansar and VDP headquarters, Major General Sazzad Mahmud explained that trained Ansar members would be digitally connected to the headquarters to maintain neutrality and transparency. On election day, these members are expected to be a symbol of public trust and security.
The preparation of Ansar members has been ongoing since August 6 of the previous year, with a focus on both basic and advanced training, including leadership skills. These sessions will continue to ensure members are ready for their roles. Post-announcement of the election schedule, refresher training will be conducted to reinforce their understanding of the code of conduct, polling centre security, crowd management, and communication strategy.
The DG highlighted the emphasis on training members from Dhaka's nearby districts, ensuring ample manpower for deployment in major cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Last year, 120,000 members completed their training, with the current aim to prepare over 300,000 fresh members. The remaining positions will be occupied by seasoned members known for their professionalism and neutrality.
To encourage youth and women's participation, the age limit for Ansar members has been adjusted to 18-25 years, enabling a younger, more dynamic workforce. Nearly half of the members are women, and efforts are in place to ensure equal leadership roles, with gender parity being maintained at the grassroots level through male and female trainers at each upazila training centre.
Both armed and unarmed personnel will be utilized for the election, equipped with new uniforms and safety gear for seamless coordination with other security agencies. The headquarters will oversee their activities to solidify public trust, which remains their primary responsibility.
Major General Sazzad Mahmud also touched on the force's shift towards institutional accountability, highlighting reforms that bolster internal discipline and address any code of conduct violations swiftly. Beyond elections, the Ansar force contributes to national development, disaster response, and social awareness, aspiring to become the 'People's Force' that unites security, service, and efficiency.
With around 6 million members, including volunteers and part-time members, the Ansar force is a significant national resource. Initiatives like the 'Sanjibon Project' provide members with group-based microcredit, entrepreneurship training, and self-employment support, enhancing their livelihoods. Vocational training in modern fields such as driving, caregiving, and freelancing has also been introduced, promoting self-reliance among members.