Dhaka:The government has initiated a comprehensive program aimed at transforming 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) into a highly skilled workforce. This move is intended to meet the demands of international labor markets and enhance the socioeconomic well-being of its members through opportunities for overseas employment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative focuses on expanding technical and vocational training, fostering international partnerships, and creating pathways for safe, transparent, and legal migration. These efforts are designed to improve employment prospects for Ansar-VDP members in both domestic and international markets.
Training programs have commenced at the Ansar-VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur, and at various facilities across different districts. These programs cover a wide range of high-demand skills, including 6G welding, construction, driving, garment manufacturing, hospitality, professional cooking, solar power and renewable energy, information technology, and Japanese language proficiency. These skills are expected to prepare the members for employment in various industries both at home and abroad.
Delegations from countries such as Singapore, the Maldives, and Morocco have visited the academy to observe its skill development programs. Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General of Ansar-VDP, stated that overseas employment would be pursued via a carefully managed process prioritizing workers' welfare and professional standards. Only members who acquire the necessary skills and competencies will be considered for overseas deployment.
The government has also taken steps to modernize and expand the force's training capacity under a 180-day action program. Agreements with a leading Japanese employment agency and a university are in advanced stages to facilitate employment opportunities in Japan. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has approved a recruiting license for the Ansar-VDP Welfare Trust, enabling the overseas deployment of trained members.
To enhance its recruitment and overseas employment framework, Ansar-VDP is working with Prantik Shakti Limited, which has received a recruiting license. Discussions are ongoing to establish employment agreements with Japan and other countries. Furthermore, Ansar-VDP plans to collaborate with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training's 104 Technical Training Centres to expand training opportunities.
A digital database will be connected with BMET's system to improve management, verification, and transparency of trainee and worker information. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform is also being developed for continuous support to overseas workers, while biometric identification and digital record-keeping aim to ensure transparent migration processes.
Ultimately, this initiative seeks to transform Ansar-VDP members into a skilled, self-reliant workforce contributing to national development and the global labor market, enhancing livelihoods, generating foreign remittances, and strengthening the national economy.