Published: 06:23 AM, 02 July 2026
Zahir Uddin Swapon inaugurates new Ansar-VDP media cell
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) has officially inaugurated its new media cell, "Prantik Kanthaswar" (Voice of the Marginalized), with the objective of highlighting the struggles, achievements, development initiatives, and multifaceted contributions of marginalized communities and the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) on the national stage.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party. The Hon'ble Minister for Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapan, attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the media cell. He described Prantik Kanthaswar as an effective bridge for advancing the government's development agenda and bringing the force's activities for the welfare of the people to the wider public.
The event was presided over by Director General of Ansar and Village Defence Party, Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud. State Minister for Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid MP attended as the special guest.
In his address, Zahir Uddin Swapon said that the vast membership of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party should not remain confined to conventional operational structures but should be integrated into a dynamic, technology-driven framework that aligns with the demands of a changing world. He noted that bringing nearly six million members under digital platforms would enable the organization to more effectively showcase their skills, capabilities, and positive contributions at the national level.
He further stated that through the adoption of modern technology and enhanced professional capacity, Ansar and VDP would continue to evolve into a more modern, efficient, and future-ready force. He described Prantik Kanthaswar as a timely and visionary initiative that would play a significant role in highlighting the contributions of marginalized communities as well as individuals working tirelessly for the welfare of the nation.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister Habibur Rashid said that the occasion marked not merely the inauguration of a media cell but the beginning of a new chapter in modernizing, strengthening, and making the information and public relations activities of Bangladesh Ansar-VDP more effective. He added that the initiative would further reinforce the force's role in ensuring social security and elevate its position as a trusted partner of the government.
He also emphasized that Prantik Kanthaswar would serve as a reliable platform for disseminating accurate, authentic, and verified information. At the same time, it would play an important role in presenting the force's achievements, innovations, and public service initiatives to the people in an appropriate and effective manner.
In his presidential remarks, Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud said that the force's extensive human resources could be effectively utilized to implement the government's socio-economic development initiatives in a more organized and dynamic manner. Beyond providing security, the online platform would highlight the contributions of Ansar and VDP members to nation-building, the struggles and success stories of marginalized people, and various positive grassroots initiatives.
He further noted that many important issues and realities at the grassroots level often do not receive adequate coverage in mainstream media. Prantik Kanthaswar would help bring such stories to light while also playing an effective role in countering rumors and misinformation. Additionally, the platform would contribute significantly to raising public awareness, strengthening evidence-based communication, and fostering greater trust between the public and state institutions in support of the government's development agenda.
The event was attended by Additional Director General of the force, Brigadier General Mamunur Rashid, Deputy Directors General, senior officials, and invited guests. Their active participation contributed to the successful conclusion of the event.
The launch of Prantik Kanthaswar is expected to usher in a new chapter in making the information dissemination of Ansar-VDP more modern, transparent, and people-oriented, while ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard on the national platform.
>>Saiful Alam, AA
