13th National Parliamentary ElectionAnsar-VDP members to stay neutral during Poll: DG

Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud has instructed the force members to perform their duties at polling centres with neutrality and courage in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum2026.

He gave the instructions at the pre-election assembly of Dhaka Metropolitan Ansar and VDP held at the Army Stadium in the capital on Monday morning.

The DG said a total of 5,56,127 Ansar and VDP members will be deployed across the country during the election. The highest number will be in Dhaka, where 27,703 members will be on duty at 2,131 polling centres under 36 police stations in four zones of Dhaka Metropolitan area.

He added that 13 trained members will be assigned to each polling centre. Their main responsibilities include ensuring security, preventing provocation and maintaining round-the-clock coordination with the Election Commission and the home ministry through the technology-based reporting system.

He mentioned the election security app "Surokkha" will be used to report any violation and will work even without internet access.

At the event, he stressed the effective use of the "Surokkha" app, an integrated security response system and modern technology. He highlighted the successful introduction of a digital monitoring system for member selection, certification and allowance distribution.

Addressing the force members, he said, “This election is now different from previous ones. Your duty is to stand firm while others cast their votes. Even if needed, let no one commit any misconduct at polling centres over your body. This is the trust of 180 million people of the country.”

He also instructed members to refrain from posting any unauthorised photos or videos of weapons, equipment or duty on social media.