'Ansar, VDP also playing key role in technology, employment generation'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Academy is also contributing technology development and employment generation at home and abroad, alongwith their duties.

He made the remarks while addressing the 46th National Assembly of Ansar and Village Defense Forces (VDP)-2026 at the academy auditorium in Gazipur on Wednesday.

''Ansar members are working continuously to protect critical infrastructure across the country, from rural areas and urban centres to remote hill regions, while also playing a role in maintaining law and order during periods of instability and crisis.''

The Prime Minister added that the force has contributed to restoring peace and supporting communities during disasters, earning recognition as a disciplined and independent security force.

The prime minister said that through professionalism, public engagement and contributions to grassroots security and social development, Ansar and VDP have evolved into a multidimensional and people-oriented force.

Referring to the role of the forces after August 5, 2024 mass uprising, the prime minister said Ansar and VDP members played important roles in guarding police stations, managing traffic and ensuring security at key point installations (KPI) during the period.

He also noted that the force has been actively involved not only in maintaining law and order, but also in creating social awareness, disaster management, and technology-based public services.

The premier said the force’s structure, including Battalion Ansar, Embodied Ansar, Thana and Upazila Ansar, and VDP-TDP has been playing a significant role in national security and socio-economic development at the grassroots. 

''I believe this structure has established the force as both a central and grassroots-based institution.''

Tarique Rahman highlighted the force’s contributions to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, government offices, financial institutions, industries, power plants, child marriage prevention, combating violence against women, anti-drug campaigns, and promoting harmony among different ethnic communities.

“This force has established itself not only as a protector of security, but also as an important agent of social change,” he said.

The prime minister said prioritizing human resource development, the force is implementing multi-dimensional demand-based modern training programmes, including Japanese language training, freelancing, digital marketing, and 6G welding, which are undoubtedly time-befitting.

“I think these timely initiatives and activities will further strengthen the institutional capacity of Ansar and VDP both at home and abroad,” he said.

The premier also said that the Ansar-VDP has earned public trust as a reliable “first responder” volunteer force during disasters. 

''Their bravery, quick response and humanitarian commitment during floods, fire incidents and other disasters are exemplary.''