Ansar-VDP Plans to Train 100,000 Members for Overseas Job
The government has launched a training initiative targeting 100,000 Ansar-VDP members to expand their employment prospects. The programme focuses on vocational skills and overseas recruitment opportunities.
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In a Nutshell
- The government has launched an initiative to equip 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) with skills for domestic and overseas employment.
- Training programmes cover a range of high-demand fields, including 6G welding, construction, driving, garment manufacturing, hospitality, professional cooking, renewable energy, information technology and Japanese language.
- Training has begun at the Ansar-VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur, and facilities across different districts. Delegations from Singapore, the Maldives and Morocco have also visited the academy to observe its skills development programmes.
- The Ansar-VDP Welfare Trust has received a recruiting licence from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to recruit qualified male and female members for overseas employment.
- The force is pursuing partnerships with Japan and other countries while planning to collaborate with 104 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) operated by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).
Context
Ansar-VDP has an extensive presence across Bangladesh with more than 60 lakh members. Traditionally focused on public security and community-level support, the force is now expanding its role into employment generation and skills development.
The initiative is part of the government’s 180-day action programme, which includes modernising training facilities and building international recruitment partnerships. Agreements with a Japanese employment agency and a university are also at an advanced stage.
Why It Matters
Overseas employment remains an important source of income for many Bangladeshi families, and remittances contribute significantly to the national economy. However, access to international job markets depends on recognised skills, reliable recruitment channels and fair employment conditions.
The initiative aims to create pathways for thousands of members by linking vocational training with overseas recruitment to access international employment opportunities. Digital records and biometric identification aim to limit middlemen and improve recruitment transparency.
What We Think
The initiative marks a shift in Ansar-VDP’s role, connecting community-level institutions with Bangladesh’s overseas employment sector.
However, its success depends on more than the number of people trained. Training qualities, international recognition of qualifications, fair recruitment practices and actual job placements will determine whether the programme brings meaningful improvements to members’ livelihoods.