Published: 05:58 PM, 13 September 2026
Sanjiban Project Opens New Horizon for Ansar-VDP in Fisheries and Livestock Sectors
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force has launched a timely initiative to engage its vast volunteer network in self-employment and entrepreneurship through the Sanjiban Project, creating new opportunities for economic participation in the fisheries and livestock sectors.
Since the beginning of 2026, efforts to establish Sanjiban Platoons at the upazila and village levels have been intensified across the country. One of the major objectives of the initiative is to reduce dependence on conventional employment by developing Ansar-VDP members as skilled, productive and self-reliant individuals.
Against this backdrop, a courtesy meeting was held on September 10, 2026, between Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, MP, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, and Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the potential for engaging members of Sanjiban Platoons in fisheries- and livestock-based self-employment activities, as well as opportunities for cooperation between the two sides.
The initiative seeks to connect the grassroots organizational structure of Ansar-VDP more effectively with national production and economic development.
Opportunities in Livestock and Poultry
The fisheries and livestock sectors play an important role in Bangladesh’s food and nutrition security, meeting demand for animal protein and creating employment opportunities in rural communities.
The discipline, sense of responsibility, organizational capabilities and extensive local presence of Ansar-VDP members could be effectively aligned with the objectives of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the operational plans of the Sanjiban Platoons.
Such coordination could help expand productive activities and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Following technical instructions and guidelines issued by the Department of Livestock Services, entrepreneurs within Sanjiban Platoons could establish small-scale farms involving improved breeds of cattle, goats, sheep and other livestock, as well as poultry farms using both local and improved breeds.
If these farms are operated through group-based initiatives, mutual cooperation and responsible management, Ansar-VDP members could make a meaningful contribution to the production of safe meat and milk.
They could also play an important role in promoting the use of quality and adulteration-free animal feed, hygienic farm management and safe marketing practices.
Fisheries Could Create New Employment
Fisheries, integrated fish farming and other small-scale fisheries-based enterprises could provide additional opportunities for self-employment among Ansar-VDP members.
The extensive grassroots network of the Village Defence Force could be utilized to promote the planned and productive use of ponds, water bodies and fallow land.
Experts say that providing technical training, entrepreneurship development programmes and necessary guidance in fisheries and livestock management could help create a skilled workforce and a new generation of rural entrepreneurs while contributing to the reduction of rural unemployment.
Training, Financing and Market Linkages
To make the Sanjiban Project more effective, training and technical assistance could be provided under various programmes of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
At the same time, access to small-enterprise loans on easy terms could be facilitated through the Ansar-VDP Development Bank.
A coordinated support system involving training, financing, production inputs, technical advice and market linkages would enable Ansar-VDP members to operate small and medium-sized enterprises in an organized manner.
Such an integrated approach could help establish members as sustainable entrepreneurs rather than merely providing short-term employment opportunities.
Potential Impact on Millions of People
The Sanjiban Project has the potential to involve the families of approximately six million Ansar-VDP members in productive economic activities, potentially contributing to the economic and nutritional well-being of nearly 30 million people.
Expansion of small enterprises in fisheries, dairy, poultry and livestock through Sanjiban Platoons could increase animal protein production, improve access to nutrition, create employment and contribute to the development of rural economies.
At the same time, greater involvement of Ansar-VDP members in productive and community-oriented activities could further strengthen their role in social responsibility and public welfare.
A Potential Model for Sustainable Rural Development
The Sanjiban Project represents a promising initiative that could make Ansar-VDP volunteer members more self-reliant while simultaneously strengthening Bangladesh’s food and nutrition security and rural economy.
Through coordinated support from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Department of Livestock Services, Department of Fisheries, Ansar-VDP Development Bank and other relevant agencies, the initiative could open new opportunities at the grassroots level.
By mobilizing the organized strength of Ansar-VDP members in production, services and entrepreneurship development, the Sanjiban Project has the potential to evolve into an effective and sustainable model for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development.
