The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party ( 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.
Recent pictures on social media show the Ansar training of “Town defense Party”, which focuses on towns.

The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), commonly referred to as the Ansar Bahini or Ansar VDP, holds a pivotal role in maintaining internal security and enforcing law in Bangladesh. Administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this paramilitary auxiliary force has a long and dynamic history that intertwines with the nation’s efforts to ensure safety and order.

The concept is similar to the village defense parties created in India so that villagers living in far flung areas can protect themselves from terrorists along LoC before the Defence personnel reach the site.

The Ansar Bahini was established to bolster the country’s internal security framework, initially serving as a supplementary force to the police and military. Over time, it has grown into an institution with approximately six million members, organized into three primary divisions:

1. Ansar Forces: Focused on providing immediate security assistance.
2. Battalion Ansar: A more structured and formal paramilitary wing.
3. Village Defence Team (VDP): Community-based units aimed at grassroots-level law enforcement and development activities.

From India’s perspective, the Ansar VDP’s grassroots reach and vast membership highlight its potential role in fostering instability in the region especially when multiple border disputes exists.

Recent images circulating on social media bring to fore a new initiative by the Ansar VDP—the training of a “Town Defence Party.” This initiative underscores the organization’s evolving role in adapting to urban security challenges, marking a significant step in their operational expansion or so is the claim. The force came under intense scrutiny following an incident in August 2024, when Ansar members clashed with students near the Bangladesh Secretariat. The confrontation resulted in injuries on both sides and sparked widespread debates about the role and accountability of the Ansar VDP.

As a paramilitary auxiliary force, the Ansar VDP continues to play an indispensable role in Bangladesh’s security apparatus. Its expansive membership and community-based approach enable it to address a wide range of security and development needs, from rural areas to urban centers. With initiatives like the “Town Defence Party,” the organization is striving to stay relevant and effective in the face of changing societal dynamics.