Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force (VDP) have been continuously contributing to socio-economic development as the largest voluntary force in the country.
The main objective of the formation of VDP was to play a voluntary role in the establishment of village-based self-reliant societies, social development, and public safety.
The force, formed in 1976, got a streamlined structure through the VDP Act of 1995 and was given the opportunity to contribute more effectively to the public service.
Recently, new policies were enacted in April 2024, which clearly defined the scope of responsibilities, appointment and tenure of the volunteer VDP members. Through this policy, their activities have been more firmly linked with the core spirit of VDP. Starting from canal digging, agro-based economic activities in the 80s, VDP members have proved their mettle in social security, environmental protection and food security. Volunteers of VDP in various national needs including "Operation rail protection", "Operation secured transportation" have gained reputation from the public side. They are actively involved in various public welfare activities, not limiting their role to polling station security duties during elections or occasional allowance-based duties.
As per the VDP Act and Policy, the force is working tirelessly to create employment through skill development and entrepreneurship of its members. Audio-visual content is being added to make the basic training more modern and interesting, which will make the training simple and effective.
A plan has been adopted to recruit those able-bodied members who will make a special contribution as volunteers to general Ansar posts.
Upgradation of technical training of Ansar-VDP is being included in the reform programme on priority basis in coordination with Directorate of Youth Development, PKSF, Technical Training Centre, Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Expatriate Welfare to enhance future skills. After the completion of this training, VDP Development Bank will be with the members for financial assistance to become self-reliant, from which unsecured loan facility will be available. Certain indicators have been set for quality and qualitative training of VDP team leaders and team leaders to enhance their skills at the grassroots level and play a more effective role in social protection.
In fact, Ansar and VDP forces are working towards the country's human resource development, socio-economic progress, digitization and increasing political accountability and transparency of its members. Various development programmes are continuing for the promotion training and professional skills of the officers and employees of the force.
At present, efforts are being made to mislead some members of the VDP forces through misinformation, especially about their recruitment patterns, core functions and legal rights from the forces, instigated by some vested interests.
