DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - The European Union (EU) held a high-level exchange meeting with Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party to discuss security preparations, capacity building and mutual cooperation ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliament election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Ansar VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad at the latter's headquarters in Dhaka, according to a press release issued today.

EU Deputy Head of Delegation Baiba Zarina was also present.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on election security and preparedness.

The Ansar VDP Director General briefed the EU ambassador on the force’s overall preparations for the parliamentary election and referendum, including manpower deployment, multi-dimensional security arrangements, coordinated planning and field-level readiness.

Ambassador Miller expressed satisfaction with the presentation, praising the trained manpower of the force, its comprehensive security strategy and coordinated operational planning.

Discussions also covered initiatives aimed at strengthening capacity building, enhancing professionalism and improving the welfare of Ansar VDP members.

Special attention was given to skill development programmes, modern and timely training structures, sustainable development initiatives and the “Sanjibon Project,” which focuses on the socio-economic development of marginal members of the paramilitary auxiliary force.

The Ansar VDP chief said the organisation is implementing extensive training and development programmes to build a skilled, self-sufficient and internationally standard workforce.

He noted that these initiatives would enhance employment opportunities for trained members both at home and abroad.

The meeting also underscored ways to better utilise existing bilateral potential and further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Ansar VDP.

The EU envoy commended the force’s professionalism and development-oriented initiatives and expressed hope that cooperation between the EU and Ansar VDP would expand and deepen in the future.

Senior officials, including the Additional Director General of Bangladesh Ansar VDP, were also present at the meeting.