42,766 polling stations secured by 560,000 Ansar, VDP members

Around 560,000 members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) are fully prepared to carry out election duties at 42,766 polling stations nationwide as part of a large-scale initiative to ensure election security.

According to a press release issued on Sunday and signed by Md Ashiquzzaman, Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, each polling station has been staffed with a balanced mix of newly trained and experienced personnel to enhance operational efficiency, stability and on-the-spot decision-making at the field level.

Modern technology is being utilised to ensure transparency in deployment, food provision and allowance distribution. The organisation’s proprietary software system is managing pre-election deployment, duty-time meals and the direct payment and monitoring of election allowances into members’ bank accounts. Authorities say this digital approach will reduce external interference and strengthen professional motivation.

The initiative aims to ensure a safe, free and fair election through professionalism, impartiality and technology-driven management, the release added.

Emphasis has also been placed on enhancing members’ skills through timely and structured training programmes. To reinforce election security, approximately 250,000 members have received intensive basic training through village-based VDP programmes, upazila- and thana-level Ansar Company Commander training, as well as advanced and youth leadership initiatives.

In a move to better harness youth potential, the age limit for training has been revised to 18–25 years, down from the previous 18–30 years, enabling younger members to contribute with greater physical capacity, technical adaptability and creativity.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the ‘Election Security App’ to strengthen modern election management. The app will facilitate uninterrupted communication between polling stations and the ministry, allowing real-time reporting, monitoring and rapid responses to any untoward incidents.

Of the 13 members deployed at each polling station, two have been specially assigned to operate the app, ensuring swift intervention by the nearest patrol team during emergencies. Officials believe this digital security framework will significantly enhance transparency, accountability and overall safety throughout the election process.

Bangladesh Ansar and the Village Defence Party reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside other law enforcement agencies to ensure the successful conduct of the 13^th National Parliament Election and the forthcoming referendum.

Members will serve as the first line of response to any unforeseen situation and have been instructed to use the national emergency service number 999, even in the event of internet disruption.