In the context of Ansar-VDP Day

Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
Every year Ansar-VDP Day is being observed on 12 February. This year it is likely to be celebrated on the same day February 2023 with new hopes and aspiration in conformity with the message of SDG’s goal 2030 and Vision 2041. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to attend the ceremony as chief guest. All preparations are on process.
Ansar and VDP is the largest community based disciplined organization of Bangladesh. The total number of this force is more than 60 lakh. The female members cover the half of the total number. The organization of the force is extended up to village level. In the villages, we have one male VDP Platoon and one female VDP Platoon each comprising of 32 members. In the union level, there is one Ansar male platoon and in every Upazilla there is one Ansar Company each comprising of 32 and 100 members respectively. Since the inception of Ansar-VDP, its members are taking part in law and order activities, Socio economic development activities and performing various other activities for alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life.
As majority of its members are working at grass root level voluntarily and individually, so no mentionable study or survey has been done regarding the success, failure or impact of their performances. Ansar-VDP has a long tradition and mentionable historical achievement. In 1971 during Pakistan crackdown, the then Volunteer Ansar Members participated. In the War of Liberation, 9 officers, 3 staff and 635 Volunteer Members who belonged to Ansar organization dedicated their lives. A historical guard of honor was given by trained Ansar members at Mujibnagar to the first head of Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, which became a part of history.
Ansar organization came into being in 1948. After partition in 1947, it was felt to organize a voluntary organization after the name of Ansar in Madina. Accordingly, the Ansar members have been selected and enrolled based on the relatively rich people in high society. There is a social responsibility of the rich people to support their neighbors, who are actually in need. All Muslims are supposed to follow it as a mandatory subject as it has been directed through the holy Quran. The erstwhile East Pakistan was created on the concept of two nation’s theory. The then Pakistani ruler representing a Muslim country in the world decided to setup a volunteer structured group and gave it to a shape of institution as Ansar organization. But this couldn’t establish institutionally in Saudi Arabia. This volunteer organization today has become the biggest voluntary and para-military force followed by introduction of cadre service in Bangladesh.
Before creation of Ansar cadre, a new wing had been developed named as VDP wing. The full name is Village Defense Party. This name could be village development policing instead of defense. However, names do not matter. Be it defense or development – both these have their positive meaning and bear good explanation and connotation. Sometimes, it is called the second line defense force – as the status is given by law. Actually, it was not done on franchise or enacted by law. Because, making a para-military force, money involvement is very high. Considering its expensive condition, it has been given a status, which is half-civil and half-military. From these mixtures, people are ignorant of it. Again, they are not clear whether it is a civil or a military. But it’s a fact that no country in the world can serve with so a cheap allocated money, though there are merits and demerits from service point of view.
Practically Bangladesh Ansar-VDP has many problems and limitation of the force. Firstly, we want to mention Ansar-VDP Unnayan Bank. This bank is not well equipped and modernized. General banking system does not function here. This bank should be made vigilant, vibrant and competitive in terms of financial rules and regulation. Secondly, by organogram Bangladesh Ansar-VDP has one periodical named “The Protirodh”. The periodical is the spokesman of the force which will reflect all activities of Bahini but its activities have been made very casual and routine.
Under the above circumstances it requires reformation and revitalization of the force. Ansar VDP may be reformed by giving a specific rules and responsibilities. At present, it is auxiliary in nature when only they are embodied by government order for Puja duty or Election duty. They do the duty under police command. Moreover, they do policing by attachment in police station or camp and necessary operational activities. The Ansar fellows do every work jointly but credit goes to others. In the midst of such framework of job nature, Ansar fellows are suffering from image crisis. Also there is an identity problem. So conception must be changed – if not, break it rather to save them from concept of dependence. The provision for sending the soldiers and officers in the peace keeping mission like other forces should be opened as soon as possible.
Every year hundreds and thousands of VDP members are imparted vocational training like poultry, fisheries, nurseries, carpentry, welding, sewing, weaving, knitting and many others. The aim of these training is to make them aware of income generating productivity and profitability. Moreover, Ansar and VDP members, participating in the above-mentioned courses are getting knowledge about technology of more quality production. When the training is over the members by groups or individual frame a work plan, make design and go for different farming and making mini poultry, hatchery, nursery, dairy farm etc. In this regard, Ansar and VDP Bank is playing significant role. The Bank sanctions loan to its shareholders who have positive attitude to change the economic conditions of any individual of groups. Through a micro-credit policy, this bank is functioning with its target groups.
Today, Ansar VDP is not confined in its nomenclature, but its idea has expanded to the very depth and height with some noble motto and objectives taken by the enrolled members in a very challenging way, especially in the field of communication network, total defense system, safety and security of various key point instillation, industries and above all socio-economic development of the nation.

(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP).