Ansar-VDP fully prepared ahead of JS polls: DG

FE Team | Published: October 25, 2025 00:15:38

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) is fully prepared ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election, with 600,000 Ansar members set to be deployed across the country, reports BSS.
"They will serve as the first line of defence at polling centres while working in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies," said Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General (DG) of Ansar and VDP.
Regarding digital monitoring during the election, the DG said for the first time, the Ansar force will introduce a digital monitoring system.
"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," he added.
Speaking to the news agency at the Ansar and VDP headquarters on Thursday, the DG said, "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 said.
Major General Sazzad Mahmud said since August 6 last year, every Ansar member has been undergoing a series of basic and advanced training programmes, including leadership and youth leadership training.
"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," he said.
The DG informed that special emphasis has been placed on training Ansar-VDP members from Dhaka's surrounding districts, such as Narayanganj, Gazipur, Cumilla, and Tangail, to ensure sufficient manpower is available for deployment in megacities like Dhaka and Chattogram.
"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," he said.
Mahmud also said refresher training will be organised after the election schedule is announced to help field-level members adapt to current circumstances.
"This training is not just routine-it's about transforming mindset. To boost 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," he said.
"Nearly 50 per cent 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," he added.