Patuakhali Correspondent

The closing ceremony of the Upazila Ansar Higher Training-1 of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), organized in line with the "People's Warfare Doctrine" introduced by former President Ziaur Rahman, was held at the Patuakhali District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Wednesday.

Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General of the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, attended the event as the chief guest. Addresssing the trainees, he provided key policy directives regarding public involvement in national security and total defence, inter-service coordination, skill development, employment generation, and digital transformation of the force.

During the ceremony, a documentary video on the training module was screened. The Director General subsequently awarded crests to top-performing trainees and distributed digital certificates alongside Ansar-VDP Unnayan Bank share certificates to all participants.

Speaking as the chief guest, Major General Sazzad Mahmud stated that initiative has been taken to integrate the force's six million members into national security, disaster management, and public service based on the national defence philosophy of former President Ziaur Rahman. He emphasized that post-2024 uprising reform initiatives prioritize patriotism, discipline, voluntary service, and self-sacrifice, aiming to build a capable public security structure involving force members, their families, and local communities.

The Director General noted that operational capacity and joint training with other law enforcement and security agencies are being actively reinforced. He highlighted that alongside joint exercises with the Bangladesh Army, specialized training modules have been initiated with the Bangladesh Navy for the first time.

He informed the gathering that, under the guidance of the Special Assistant (Adviser) to the Chief Adviser on Defence Affairs and with support from the Armed Forces Division, this training framework will be expanded across coastal districts and other regions. In collaboration with the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Fire Service, and related bodies, the initiative aims to enhance rapid-response capabilities for coastal security, protection of fishermen, rescue operations, and emergency management.

Addressing human resource development, the chief guest affirmed that Ansar-VDP members are receiving technical and linguistic training to meet domestic and international labor market demands, including Japanese language courses and employment facilitation in Japan and Europe through Prantik Express Limited. He added that the Ansar-VDP Unnayan Bank and the "Sanjiban" project are fostering entrepreneurship and financial empowerment among members.

Highlighting technological modernization, the Director General announced the implementation of an integrated member database, QR code-based digital training certificates, digital monitoring tools, field-level digital facial attendance systems, and a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, while reiterating the force's active role in nationwide tree plantation, cleanliness drives, and social welfare activities.

Senior officers and representatives from the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, local administration, and Bangladesh Ansar and VDP attended the ceremony.