Director General of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud on Sunday called for strengthening the socio-economic capacity of Sanjibon Platoon members so they can contribute more effectively to national security and public service.
The remarks came during his visit to the Cumilla Range and District Office, where he reviewed the progress of the Sanjibon Project, exchanged views with members of the Sanjibon Platoon, and later inspected the Bangladesh Army's Summer Exercise-2026 at Lalmai.
Addressing a discussion titled "Formation of the Sanjibon Platoon, Project Selection and Members' Responsibilities" with members from Laksam upazila, the Ansar chief outlined the project's implementation strategy, future action plan and the responsibilities of its members.
He stressed the importance of cultivating a savings habit, saying sound financial planning is essential for the successful implementation of sustainable income-generating projects.
The DG also encouraged greater use of solar energy to reduce dependence on conventional electricity, noting that electricity is a key requirement for projects such as poultry farming, fish cultivation and livestock rearing. He said adopting alternative energy sources would help members become more self-reliant.
Mahmud assured the participants that the force would gradually provide all necessary support, including financial management, technical knowledge and skills development training, enabling members to implement projects confidently and secure sustainable incomes.
Later in the day, the Ansar chief visited the Bangladesh Army's Summer Exercise-2026 in Lalmai. The exercise aims to strengthen national defence preparedness, enhance inter-service coordination and promote a community-based defence framework.
For the first time, volunteer members of Upazila and Thana Sanjibon Ansar Platoons are participating in the military exercise alongside other forces.
Speaking to the participants, Mahmud said members should embrace a spirit of serving the nation while pursuing socio-economic development through the Sanjibon Project.
He urged them to remain prepared to respond to national emergencies, including floods and other natural disasters, and to actively participate in tree plantation campaigns, anti-drug initiatives and other public safety and community welfare activities.
The director general said the military knowledge, tactics and skills acquired during the army training should be shared with other members of their respective platoons, which would strengthen the overall operational capability of the force.
He said such knowledge-sharing would help build a more skilled, coordinated and prepared community-level public safety network, contributing to a stronger national security framework.
Mahmud also instructed members to uphold integrity, discipline and ethical standards and to refrain from any form of misconduct.
Cumilla Range Commander Md Mahbubur Rahman and other officials were present during the visit.
