'Specially trained Battalion Ansar ready to provide all-out security'

 
The specially trained Ansar Battalion is capable of providing all-out security to individuals and installations as the members of the force have been doing such job in the country with reputation, according to information collected from various sources. As the largest, well-disciplined and people-oriented force, the members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) have always kept the mark of professional excellence and successes since the emergence of Bangladesh after the 1971 Liberation War. The force has been continuing its laudable role in maintaining law and order and the socio-economic development at the root level across the country.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) currently has a total of 42 battalions including one guard battalion and two female battalions. Over 6,000 Ansar personnel are working with other forces risking their lives at the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) under 'Operation Uttaran' with a view to suppressing local terrorists and keeping law and order under control. They regularly take part in short range patrolling (SRP), long range patrolling and other raids.

Ansar members diligently perform their duties during anti-adulteration drives and mobile court operations by executive magistrates throughout the country. They also actively take part in maintaining law and order, controlling terrorism, militancy, extremism and contraband drugs in country's plain areas.

The role of Ansar-VDP members in national and local elections is undeniable. In the 11th parliamentary election, around five lakh Ansar personnel guarded polling centers risking their lives. Sadly, five members were killed while performing the election duties.

In any national emergency, the sincerity and professionalism of Ansar personnel deserve praises. In the devastating fire incidents in capital's Siddique Bazar, Bangabazar and New Super Market, Ansar members ensure smooth transportation of fire victims to Sheikh Hasina Burn Institute by dispersing crowds.

Ansar officers are now working in the Special Security Force (SSP) and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on deputation. Besides, Ansar members are providing security services to important government offices including the Secretariat, DGFI and Rab. As per the directives from foreign ministry, Ansar personnel provided security services to the European Union (EU) and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) for six years under the agreement on demand. The force members are still serving the iccdr, b with reputation.

It is a matter of pride that Ansar members are efficiently patrolling the country's dream project 'Padma Bridge'. Besides, Battalion Ansar and embodied Ansar personnel are providing security to over five thousand installations across Bangladesh including Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, airports, seaports, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), Matarbari Power Plant, Bangabandhu Tunnel, Metrorail, hospitals, hotels, motels and EPZs.

The Battalion Ansar members get a 6-month basic training which includes drill, physical training, tactics, field-crafts, un-armed combat, public order management, weapon training, disaster management, KPI security, fire fighting, computer training. The other courses which hone them for performing better include horse riding course, small arms course, machine gun course, signal and IT course, mortar course, Arges grenade course, core of military police basic course, armourer course, office management course.

Both officers and members of Battalion Ansar have the opportunity to take training on special operations in Turkey. They can also do course on protecting critical places and persons and sniper basic course there.

Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen on Wednesday said how the Ansar forces would provide escort to diplomats has been finalised.
Foreign missions in Dhaka would be informed about the decision through note verbale on Thursday or by next Sunday, 21 May, he added.
The foreign secretary disclosed the information while speaking to reporters after a meeting with director general of the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.