Staff Correspondent:

Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retd) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that the Ansar forces play a crucial role in ensuring security and development to build a just, integrated, and non-discriminatory state.

The adviser made this statement while addressing the 45th National Assembly-2025 of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) at the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, Gazipur, on Wednesday morning.

He said, “This force includes 39 male Ansar battalions, 2 female Ansar battalions, and a specialized Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB), totaling 42 Ansar battalions. Among them, the members of 16 Ansar battalions are working shoulder to shoulder with the army, BGB, and police as auxiliary forces in ‘Operation Uttoron’ to maintain peace and order in the remote hilly regions.”

The adviser further added, “The vigilant guards of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party are working closely with the upazila administration to resist land grabbers, combat counterfeit goods, and establish a drug-free society. Their role in providing security at the foreign diplomatic missions has been crucial in creating an investment-friendly environment and maintaining Bangladesh’s image abroad. The specially trained members of the Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB) are ensuring the security of important installations, including KPIs.”

The adviser also mentioned, “Special initiatives have been taken to inspire young people with the fundamental spirit of serving the country in a short time. The force has a plan to create employment for one lakh people, prioritising youth, in collaboration with various organizations such as the Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (BITAC).”

During the assembly, the adviser presented awards to 18 officials, employees, and other members of the Ansar and Village Defence Force for their outstanding and commendable work.

This year, a total of 156 persons, including officers, employees, Ansar battalion members, and other staff, were awarded in 8 categories across 4 divisions for their service and bravery.

The adviser planted a tree in the Ansar Academy premises, participated in a photo session, and visited the cottage industry exhibition.