Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS) - The Village Defense Party (VDP), a key pillar of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force today celebrated its 50th founding anniversary with great enthusiasm and color at the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, Gazipur.

Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP
Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud attended the program as the chief guest and delivered the welcome address. 

Extending warm greetings to all members, officers, and employees, he highlighted the proud history, present contributions, and future prospects of the VDP.

“The journey that began with the goal of maintaining peace and order in villages and cities has now transformed into a vast volunteer force of nearly six million members,” he said, congratulating all concerned on the historic occasion.

Describing VDP as a strong pillar of public defense, the DG said volunteer members play a vital role at the grassroots level by assisting law enforcement, preventing social crimes, curbing child marriage and drug abuse, empowering women, ensuring security during elections and religious festivals, and contributing to disaster management, rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance.

He also emphasized the economic potential of VDP members, noting that under the ‘Sanjivan’ project of the Ansar-VDP Development Bank, members will receive modern, job-oriented training and easy access to loans to become entrepreneurs in agriculture, fisheries, and cottage industries. 

This initiative aims to promote self-reliance and strengthen the grassroots economy, he also said.

The DG further informed that initiatives are underway, through memorandums of understanding with the Department of Youth Development, BITAC, and Sohoj.com, to transform VDP and TDP members into skilled manpower for both domestic and overseas employment.

 He added that the ‘Sanjivan’ project has already been launched on a trial basis in 12 upazilas across 12 districts.

Highlighting ongoing reforms, he said all VDP members are being included in the digital database AVMIS to ensure transparency and effective deployment, alongside modern training modules to build a disciplined, skilled, and patriotic force.

Calling for unity and dedication, he urged all members to work together with courage, discipline, and patriotism to further strengthen VDP for the future peace, security, and development of Bangladesh.

The jubilee celebration featured the release of pigeons symbolizing peace, cake cutting, and a colorful rally. 

Senior officials, including the Additional Director General, Deputy Directors General, officers, employees, and a large number of VDP members, were present at the event.