Tasmiah Nuhiya Ahmed of DOT
[2] Ansar currently has more than 60 lacs active and reserved members. [3] In the event of a war, each of them will actively participate in the war as a reserved force under the command of the army. Or will work to maintain peace and order. Ansar forces have strengthened Bangladesh’s war capability.
[4] Ansar is an Arabic word. It means helper. In 1947, some members of the Indian Guard formed the Ansar Bahini. The Ansar force was formed as the East Pakistan Ansar in 1947 by the Ansar Act of East Pakistan, officially debuted on February 2 of the same year.
[5] During the War of Independence in 1971, Ansar members joined the Mukti Bahini to fight against Pakistan. After the independence of the country, this force started its journey again under the Bangladesh Ansar Act. [6] At present Bangladesh Ansar is a force formed for the internal security, law enforcement and protection of the country. It is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Source: Military Defense Forum.
[7] At present there are three branches of Ansar Bahini 1. General Ansar. 2. Battalion Ansar. 3. Village Defense Force (VDP). Their combined draw is over 6 million which is the largest force in the world as a paramilitary or single force.
[8] Battalion Ansar received training in the form of army and worked together with the army.
[9] At present, the proposal to change the name of this force to Bangladesh National Guard is being reviewed.