Staff Correspondent

Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General (DG) of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), inspected the Cumilla Range and District Offices on Sunday.

During his visit, the DG reviewed the ongoing operations of the "Sanjibon Project," exchanged views with Sanjibon Platoon members, and visited the Bangladesh Army's Summer Exercise-2026. He stressed the importance of enhancing the skills and community service capabilities of the platoon members, urging them to play an active role in national security and disaster management.

In the morning, the Director General participated in a seminar titled "Sanjibon Platoon Formation, Project Selection, and Responsibilities of Members" with the Laksam Upazila Sanjibon Platoon. During the discussion, he provided detailed operational guidelines regarding implementation strategies, action plans, individual roles, and the future course of action for the platoon.

Emphasizing the cultivation of savings habits among members, the DG noted that sound financial planning is crucial for managing sustainable projects. To reduce dependency on the national grid, he recommended the installation of solar panels.

The Director General assured the members that the force would phase-in all necessary support, including financial management, technical expertise, and skill development training.

Later in the day, the Director General visited the Bangladesh Army's Summer Exercise-2026 in Lalmai. Aimed at bolstering national defense readiness, increasing inter-service coordination, and fostering a public-participatory defense framework, this iteration of the military exercise marks the historic first-time participation of volunteer members from the Upazila and Thana Sanjibon Ansar Platoons of the Ansar and VDP.

Addressing the participating Sanjibon Platoon members at the exercise, the DG remarked, "While pursuing your socio-economic development through the Sanjibon Project, you must simultaneously harbor a mindset to dedicate yourselves to the service of the nation whenever security demands arise."

He added that the military knowledge, tactics, and skills acquired by the Ansar and VDP members during this joint exercise with the Army should be disseminated among other members of their respective platoons.

The Director General strictly instructed the members to maintain absolute honesty, discipline, and moral integrity, advising them to steer clear of any unethical practices. His inspection and strategic directives have infused a renewed sense of enthusiasm and inspiration among the personnel deployed in the tactical exercise. Cumilla Range Commander Moh. Mahbubur Rahman and other senior military and administrative officials accompanied the DG during the inspection.