Authorities have deployed 2,200 members of Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP) across Khulna district to maintain law and order and traffic in the absence of police.
A media release signed by Md Ismail Hossain, public relations coordinator at the Ansar and VDP’s Khulna Range Office, on Friday said the decision to deploy the forces has been taken following a directive from Khulna Range’s Deputy Director Shah Ahmad Fazle Rabbi.
The personnel have been assigned to various critical locations, police stations, prisons, neighborhoods, and for traffic management duties, it reads.
Nine hundred Ansar members have been deployed to secure important establishments while 1,100 VDP members are on night patrol in various neighborhoods to prevent unrest, theft, and robbers, it said.
Additionally, 118 Ansar and VDP members have been stationed at 20 key points in Khulna city to control the traffic system and 50 personnel have been assigned to prison security and 20 members of the Ansar Battalion are now guarding the Koyra and Phultala police stations, according to it.
The release also mentioned that Ansar Battalion members have been posted at Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office and residence, the Deputy Commissioner’s office and residence, and the Circuit House to ensure security.
The rapid deployment of an Ansar Battalion patrol team was crucial on Thursday when a situation at the Khulna Jail deteriorated by noon. Upon request from the administration, the team quickly intervened to bring the situation under control, it added.