The Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, has called on members of the force to enhance their professionalism and capacity to play a greater role in national service.
Addressing a gathering at the Cumilla Range on Wednesday following an inspection, the DG urged Ansar-VDP personnel to embrace modern training, ensure competent recruitment, and promote small-scale entrepreneurship to achieve self-reliance and contribute to socio-economic progress.
Highlighting the newly adopted Sanjiban Project, he described it as a “beacon of hope” for improving the livelihoods of volunteer members and creating grassroots employment.
“The Sanjiban Project is not merely a programme, but a pathway for marginalised communities to break free from poverty and revitalise the rural economy,” he said.
Recalling the force’s contributions from the Liberation War to maintaining post-independence law and order, the DG praised the role of Ansar and VDP members in safeguarding peace and sovereignty, particularly in the hill tracts. He noted that members deployed in government and private institutions across the plains are now performing with greater discipline and dedication than ever before.
On organisational discipline, Major General Sazzad Mahmud remarked that recent reforms had elevated standards to “an unparalleled height.” He also highlighted welfare measures, including an increase in rations for enlisted Ansars, adding that member trust and professionalism would pave the way for further welfare initiatives.
“Our responsibility is not only to ensure security,” he stressed. “Our goal is to meaningfully engage over six million VDP members in the service of the nation. In times of disaster and national crisis, this vast volunteer force must contribute across different sectors of society to ensure socio-economic prosperity.”
The event was also attended by Md Mahbubur Rahman, Director of the Cumilla Range, alongside other officials and members.
