Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) has completed its preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, with around 600,000 members set to be stationed across the country.
Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, director general (DG) of Ansar and VDP said, “They will serve as the first line of defence at polling centres while working in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies.”
Speaking to BSS at the Ansar-VDP headquarters on Thursday, the DG said for the first time, a digital monitoring system will be introduced to oversee Ansar activities during the polls.
“All necessary information of each member will be stored in a software database integrating their NID number, QR code, and service records. This system will enable real-time tracking of their efficiency, presence, and behaviour while on duty.
“This time, trained Ansar members are being deployed at polling centres. They will remain digitally connected to the headquarters to ensure neutrality and transparency in performing their duties. On election day, the Ansar force will serve as a symbol of public trust and security.”
He noted since 6 August last year, all Ansar members have been undergoing a series of training programmes covering basic, advanced, and leadership modules.
“The basic training sessions are still ongoing and will continue until the election. After the announcement of the election schedule, refresher training will be arranged for two to three days focusing on code of conduct, polling centre security, crowd management, and communication strategy.”
Special focus has been placed on training Ansar-VDP members from key districts surrounding Dhaka-such as Narayanganj, Gazipur, Cumilla, and Tangail-to ensure adequate manpower in megacities like Dhaka and Chattogram.
He said, “Last year, 120,000 members completed training, while training for another 150,000 is ongoing. We aim to prepare over 300,000 fresh members. The remaining positions will be filled by experienced members who have previously shown professionalism and neutrality.”
Mahmud added refresher training will be conducted once the election schedule is announced to ensure members can adapt to the situation on the ground.
“This training is not just routine-it’s about transforming mindset. To increase youth and women’s participation, the age limit for Ansar members has been reduced to 18-25 years, allowing more young and energetic individuals to join.
“Nearly 50% of our members are women, and we are working to ensure equal leadership roles for men and women. Each upazila training centre has both a male and a female trainer to maintain gender parity at the grassroots.”
Both armed and unarmed Ansar personnel will be deployed during the election. The DG said, “They are being equipped with new uniforms, jackets, and safety gear to enable smooth coordination with other security agencies.
“The headquarters will directly monitor their activities to ensure that they effectively serve as the frontline defenders of polling centres. Gaining public trust will be their foremost duty.”
Highlighting the institution’s growing accountability, Major General Sazzad Mahmud stated, “The force is now system-driven rather than personality-driven. Significant reforms have been made to strengthen internal discipline. Complaints of code of conduct violations are promptly investigated, and necessary punitive actions are taken.”
He also emphasised the Ansar force plays a continuous role in national development, disaster response, and social awareness. “It is a development-oriented national force. With around 6 million members, if we include their families, the total community reaches nearly 30 million.
“If each member contributes positively to society, the Ansar force can become the country’s largest human resource network. Our long-term goal is to emerge as the ‘People’s Force,’ uniting security, service, and efficiency under one umbrella.”
Currently, Bangladesh has about 60 lakh Ansar and VDP members, of whom 59 lakh serve as volunteers or part-time members, he said, adding several initiatives have been undertaken to improve their livelihoods.
Among them is the ‘Sanjibon Project’, jointly implemented by the Ansar Development Bank and the Welfare Trust. Through this project, members receive group-based microcredit, entrepreneurship training, and self-employment support.
The DG added, “Besides, vocational training in modern professions such as driving, electrical work, caregiving, tourism, nursing, and freelancing has been introduced to help members acquire practical skills and become self-reliant.”
