Ansar, VDP to guard presiding officers for first time in national polls: Home Adviser

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said that members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) will be deployed for nine days during the upcoming general election in February.

He said, “This is the first time that we are deploying one Ansar member with a firearm for the security of each presiding officer.”

The home adviser said this on Thursday while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Bangladesh Ansar Welfare Trust’s Transport Service at its headquarters in Dhaka.

He said that a total of 13 Ansar personnel will be assigned to each polling centre during the election. “Of these, three will carry firearms while the remaining 10 will provide supportive security to ensure a well-coordinated arrangement,” he added.

Among the unarmed members, six will be men and four women, he noted.

Jahangir said the Ansar and VDP’s participation will ensure smooth polling and strengthen security throughout the election process. “Ansar and VDP forces will have the most significant role in this election. Their presence will help create a safe and peaceful environment for voters and election officials,” he said.

He added that Ansar personnel will remain deployed for a total of nine days around polling time to help maintain order and stability.

The home adviser also discussed ongoing drives to recover illegal firearms ahead of the national polls.

“Operations to seize illegal weapons will continue. The number of recovered arms is expected to rise as the election approaches,” he said.

“Illegal weapons will not be allowed to influence the election in any way,” Jahangir assured, adding that law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to prevent any potential unrest during the polls.

Highlighting the Ansar force’s longstanding contribution to maintaining law and order, Jahangir said, “The Bangladesh Ansar and VDP have always played an instrumental role in national security. Their dedication and professionalism in serving the country are truly commendable.”

He also praised the Bangladesh Ansar Welfare Trust for launching a new transport service to improve the mobility and welfare of its members.

The new service, comprising 31 vehicles—including large buses, mini-buses, carriers, and ambulances—has been funded by the trust to facilitate the movement of personnel and enhance emergency medical response.

“This initiative will greatly reduce travel-related difficulties for Ansar members and improve their efficiency and morale,” the adviser said.

“Better logistical support will ultimately strengthen their contribution to national service," he added.