Published: 12:28 AM, 03 November 2026
National interests must take precedence over personal interests: Ansar DG
Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force, Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, has urged newly appointed officers to place national interests above personal interests and align their professional aspirations with the institutional goals and responsibilities of the force.
The remarks came as 19 newly appointed officers from the 45th Bangladesh Civil Service (Ansar) cadre visited the headquarters of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force after formally joining the Ministry of Home Affairs.
On the occasion, the Director General welcomed the officers with floral greetings at a ceremony held in the conference room of the force's headquarters. He subsequently delivered a welcome and introductory address, providing guidance on their professional responsibilities, leadership, organisational skills and the future development of the force.
Welcoming the newly appointed officers, the Director General described the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force as the country's largest community-based disciplined security force. With approximately six million members, the organisation comprises Battalion Ansar, Embodied Ansar, General Ansar, Village Defence Party (VDP) and Town Defence Party (TDP) members.
He noted that although members at different levels of the organisation have distinct responsibilities and roles, their collective contributions are vital to national security, maintaining public order and promoting public welfare. He stressed the need to utilise this extensive organisational strength in a coordinated manner to further enhance the force's capabilities and effectiveness.
The Director General observed that every individual has distinct thoughts, expectations and perceptions, while career objectives and professional experiences may also vary.
However, personal aspirations and perspectives must be aligned with the institutional objectives, principles and responsibilities of the force.
He emphasised that officers should strive not only for individual success but also for organisational excellence and meaningful contributions to national interests.
He further highlighted that the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force's responsibilities extend beyond maintaining law and order and providing security. The force also plays an important role in social security, public welfare, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, maintaining peace and order at the local level, and socioeconomic development.
He said there is considerable scope to make further contributions to these areas by effectively engaging the force's extensive membership.
Addressing the newly appointed officers, the Director General called for building a well-organised, efficient and people-friendly force by utilising the capabilities, experience and potential of every member.
He particularly emphasised maintaining close communication with field-level personnel, understanding their expectations and practical experiences, and undertaking coordinated initiatives to strengthen the organisation's operational capacity.
He also underscored the importance of demonstrating integrity, dedication, discipline, humanitarian values and responsible leadership while discharging official duties.
At the meeting, the newly appointed officers were encouraged to uphold the force's goals and objectives and utilise their knowledge, intellect and professional capabilities in carrying out their responsibilities.
The Director General expressed optimism that their collective efforts would further strengthen the institutional capacity and public engagement of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force, while expanding its contributions to national development and security.
Additional Director General of the force, Brigadier General Mamunur Rashid, along with other senior officials, was present at the programme.
