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Bangladesh Ansar

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The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ আনসার ও গ্রাম প্রতিরক্ষা বাহিনী; also known as the Ansar Bahini or Ansar VDP) is a paramilitary auxiliary force responsible for the preservation of internal security and law enforcement in Bangladesh.[2][3] It is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the government of Bangladesh.[4][5] It has 6 million active and reserved members. It is the largest paramilitary force in the world.[1]

Bangladesh Ansar
বাংলাদেশ আনসার
Insignia of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party
Insignia of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party
Flag of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party
Flag of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party
Common nameAnsar Bahini
Mottoশান্তি শৃঙ্খলা উন্নয়ন নিরাপত্তায় সর্বত্র আমরা
We are everywhere in peace, order, development and security
Agency overview
Formed12 February 1948
Preceding agency
  • East Pakistan Ansars (1948-1972)
Employees6.1 Million[1]
Jurisdictional structure
National agencyBangladesh
Operations jurisdictionBangladesh
Governing bodyGovernment of Bangladesh
General nature
Specialist jurisdictions
  • Paramilitary law enforcement, counter insurgency, and riot control.
  • Protection of international or domestic VIPs, protection of significant state assets.
Operational structure
HeadquartersKhilgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Elected officer responsible
Agency executives
Parent agencyMinistry of Home Affairs
Facilities
Battalions53 battalions[citation needed]
Notables
Significant Battles
Anniversary
  • 12 February
Award
Website
ansarvdp.gov.bd
Service uniform: Rich Olive  
Combat uniform:
Ansar Guard Battalion: Olive, Dark Blue, Earth yellow, Black     
Ansar: Olive, Black   
VDP: Maroon, Black   

History

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Ansar member weaving on duty.

The name originates from the Arabic word of "Ansar" which denotes a "volunteer". The Ansar were the local inhabitants of Medina who, in Islamic tradition, took the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers (the Muhajirun) into their homes when they emigrated from Mecca during the hijra.[4][5]

The Ansar Force was formed as the "East Pakistan Ansars" by the East Pakistan Ansars Act of 1948, and officially launched on 12 February 1948.[5] The first director of the Ansar was James Buchanan, a British official appointed by the government of then-Chief Minister of East Bengal Khawaja Nazimuddin.[5] The force was placed under the administration of the home ministry of the province of East Bengal (later known as East Pakistan).

The emphasis was on recruiting in border areas, where Ansars were deployed to interdict smuggling and prevent emigrants from taking valuables out of the country illegally.[2] The force grew quickly. By early 1949, there were 118,000 Ansars. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the then East Pakistan Ansars were deployed to the border areas along with the East Pakistan Rifles to support the Pakistani Army.[5][2]

Bangladesh Liberation War

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Main articles: Bangladesh Liberation War and Razakars (Pakistan)

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, 40,000 Ansars joined the Bangladesh Forces and joined the guerrillas and assisted the Bengali members of the East Pakistan Police to fight against the Pakistani Army.[5][2][6][7][8][9] 12 Ansar members presented a guard of honour to the Bangladesh government in exile at 8 Theatre road on 17 April 1971.[10][2][6] As a result, the Ansars were disbanded by the Pakistani Government.[10] A new paramilitary force was then established, the now infamous Razakar militia.[11][12][13]

Post-independence

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After the independence of Bangladesh, the force was reconstituted as the Bangladesh Ansar. The Ansar were given fresh importance by the government of President Ziaur Rahman, which designated the Ansar as the "people's defence force" and formed Ansar battalions.[14]

Raising of Ansar battalions

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In 1976, 20 Ansar Battalions were raised in line with the Armed Police Battalions to augment the strength of the security forces.[2] At present, there are 38 male and 2 female Ansar battalions deployed all over the country. Battalion Ansars are mainly deployed in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) for Counter Insurgency Operations (CIO) and south-western region of the country for Counter Terrorism Operations.[3][10][2]

1994 mutiny and reforms

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Main article: 1994 Bangladesh Ansar mutiny

In 1994, a mutiny against low pay and unfair treatment was suppressed by the Bangladesh Rifles.[15][16] This prompted a series of reforms by successive governments including the Ansar Bahini Act (1995), Battalion Ansar Act (1995) and the Village Defence Party Act (1995).[2] Under these Acts, the Ansar Bahini and the Battalion Ansars were declared a "Disciplined Force" in accordance with article 152 of the Constitution.[2] The government also set up "Ansar VDP Unnayan Bank" where the members of Ansar-VDP members were entitled to loans and shares.[2][10]

In 1998, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP were awarded the National Standard, and in 2004 it was awarded the Independence Award.[10] The service of battalion Ansars was under National Pay Scale in October 2008, and they were entitled to family rations and combat uniform.[5] In 2006, the role of Ansar-VDP was expanded to fight rising militancy.[3] In 2016, the Ansar Striking Force, a 300 strong elite unit, was created to provide security to diplomats.[17]

2024 Secretariat Clash

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Main article: 2024 Bangladesh Ansar protest

Following the fall of Hasina government, a faction of Ansar members began protesting, demanding the nationalisation of their jobs and the abolition of the six-month "Rest System," among other benefits.[18] Their demonstrations caused severe traffic congestion across the capital, leading to significant public inconvenience.[19]

On 25th August, the Home Affairs Advisor, Retired Lt. Gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, met with the protesting Ansar members. He announced a preliminary decision to abolish the controversial six-month "Rest System" and assured that the demand for nationalisation would be reviewed based on an upcoming committee report.[20] Despite this, the Ansar members were dissatisfied due to the lack of immediate assurance regarding job nationalisation.[21]

Tensions escalated when Ansar members reportedly trapped two coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, along with other officials, including Information and Communications Technology adviser Nahid Islam, inside the Secretariat.[22]

Earlier that day, Hasnat Abdullah had accused the Ansar members of holding them captive and called for support on social media.[23] The situation worsened when Ansar members forced their way into the Secretariat, chanting slogans and demanding that their demands be met.[24]

Around 9 PM, a group of students marched from Dhaka University TSC to the Secretariat to rescue them but were met with a barrage of bricks and stones from the Ansar members, resulting in numerous injuries on both sides, including Hasnat Abdullah.[25][26]

Role

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The stated missions of Ansar are:

  • To assist government or any authority under government in matters of public security ;[2][10][27]
  • To take part in any public welfare activities as per the government's instructions to improve socio-economic conditions of the country.
  • To assist law enforcement agencies in metropolitan and industrial security.
  • To assist Bangladesh Armed Forces in national defense during war[3][5][14]
  • To provide security to national VIPs, CIPs and diplomats as per the government's instructions.
  • To take part in any disaster management activities as per the government's instructions.

The members of Ansar also participate in education expansion programs, tree plantation, population control, women's empowerment, and sanitation activities.[3][28]

Organization

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At present there are three branches of Ansar Bahini; the General Ansar, the Battalion Ansar, and the Village Defence Party (VDP). Their combined draw is over 6 million, which is the largest force in the world as a paramilitary or single force.[29]

The Ansar is headed by a director-general, who also heads the Village Defence Party (VDP).[30]

Director General

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Director General of Bangladesh Ansar, also known as Ansar and VDP Chief, is the professional head of the Bangladesh Ansar. The current DG is Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud.[5]

The Director General functions from the Bangladesh Ansar Headquarters, which is located in the Khilgaon, Dhaka.[29]

Headquarters

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The headquarters of the Ansar is located in Khilgaon, Dhaka and the training facilities are located at the Bangladesh Ansar & VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur, north of the national capital, Dhaka.[3][14]

Equipment

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Name Image Caliber Type Origin Notes
Type 92   9×19mm Parabellum Semi-automatic pistol   China
Type 56   7.62×39mm Assault rifle   China
Type 56 (SKS)   7.62×39mm Semi-automatic carbine   China
BD-15 LMG 7.62×39mm Light machine gun   Bangladesh Light machine gun variant of Type 81 assault rifle.
RPD   7.62×39mm Squad automatic weapon/Light machine gun   Soviet Union
Type 80 7.62×54mmR General-purpose machine gun   China
Type 67 7.62×54mmR General-purpose machine gun   China
ESCORT MP-PG [1] 12-gauge Pump action shotgun   Turkey Quantity 14,100.[31][32][33]
Benelli Supernova   12-gauge Pump action shotgun   Italy Quantity 1,800.[31][32][33]
Unknown model 12-gauge Semi-automatic shotgun   United Kingdom Quantity 14,100.[31][32][33]
Type 63-1 60 mm Mortar   China

See also

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References

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  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Country Studies. Federal Research Division.

  1. ^ a b "6.1 million Ansar VDP members ready to enforce lockdown, says its director general". Dhaka Tribune. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir, eds. (2012). "Ansar and Village Defence Party". Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "PM urged Ansar-VDP members to help resist militants". bdnews24.com. 23 January 2006. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b Heitzman, James; Worden, Robert, eds. (1989). "Auxiliary Forces". Bangladesh: A Country Study. Washington, D.C.: Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. p. 237.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "About Bangladesh Ansar & VDP". Bangladesh Ansar & VDP – Government of Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Role of Bangladesh Ansar and VDF in socio-economic development". The Daily Observer (Bangladesh). Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party". ansarvdp.rajbari.gov.bd.
  8. ^ "Charishwardia Union". charishwardiaup.mymensingh.gov.bd. 14 November 2022.
  9. ^ Probir, Kumar; Sarker (9 March 2017). "East Pakistan had many pro-Pakistani army officers". Dhaka Tribune.
  10. ^ a b c d e f "Bangladesh ansar & village defence party". The Guardian. Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  11. ^ "Razakar was launched with 96 Jamaat men". The Daily Star. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  12. ^ "First Razakar camp in Khulna turns into ghost house after Liberation War". The Daily Observer (Bangladesh). Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  13. ^ Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir, eds. (2012). "Razakar". Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Taru Bahl, M.H. Syed (2003). Encyclopaedia of the Muslim World. Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd. pp. 184–85. ISBN 978-81-261-1419-1.
  15. ^ Chowdhury, Afsan. "What Lies Below". Forum. The Daily Star. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  16. ^ "Ansar militiamen clench their fist and shout sloga". Getty Images. 5 October 2004. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  17. ^ "It'll provide security to foreign diplomats, missions: FM". The New Nation. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  18. ^ "Peons of schools and Ansar members stage protest at Secretariat". The Business Standard. 25 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Traffic at a standstill near Press Club amid Ansar protest". bdnews24.com. 25 August 2024.
  20. ^ "Ansar personnel return to duty after talks with home affairs adviser". New Age. 25 August 2024.
  21. ^ "Ansar personnel clash with regime-toppling students outside Secretariat". bdnews24.com. 26 August 2024.
  22. ^ "Govt officials at Secretariat freed after 12hrs". Dhaka Tribune. 26 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Dozens injured as students, Ansar members clash near Secretariat". Dhaka Tribune. 25 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Ansar personnel besiege Secretariat, meet with home advisor". bdnews24.com. 25 August 2024.
  25. ^ "30 injured as Ansars clash with students". The Daily Star. 26 August 2024.
  26. ^ গুরুতর আহত হয়ে ঢাকা মেডিকেলে হাসনাত আব্দুল্লাহ. Dhaka Post (in Bengali). 25 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Protect public life, property". The Daily Star. No. 1. UNB. 12 February 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  28. ^ বাংলাদেশ আনসার ভিডিপি তে নতুন নিয়োগ বিজ্ঞপ্তি প্রকাশ ।. 30 May 2022.
  29. ^ a b "Bangladesh Ansar and VDP are the largest single forces in the world". ourtimebd. 6 July 2020.
  30. ^ "Profile of Director General". Bangladesh Ansar & VDP – Government of Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  31. ^ a b c ৩০ হাজার শটগান পাচ্ছে আনসার ও গ্রাম প্রতিরক্ষা বাহিনী (in Bengali). Channel 24. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  32. ^ a b c আনসার পাচ্ছে ৩০ হাজার শটগান !! (in Bengali). susongbad24. Archived from the original on 2 November 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  33. ^ a b c রংপুরে আনসার ও গ্রাম প্রতিরক্ষা বাহিনীর শটগান প্রশিক্ষন (in Bengali). দৈনিক রংপুর. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
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