For the first time, members of the Upazila/Thana Ansar Platoons of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) are participating in the Bangladesh Army's Summer Exercise 2026, being held from July 5 to July 14 across all army divisions.
According to the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, the participation of its volunteer members marks a significant milestone in strengthening inter-force coordination and enhancing the force's operational capabilities under the concept of the late President Ziaur Rahman's **"People's Warfare Doctrine."
The force said trained grassroots Ansar and VDP volunteers have an important role in modern and unconventional warfare (UCW), particularly in safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty and internal security during national emergencies or wartime.
As part of the preparations for the exercise, participating members successfully completed a three-day On-the-Job Training (OJT) programme. The training included practical exercises on raids, ambushes, establishing firm bases and other minor operations, aimed at improving their operational skills and readiness.
The Ansar and VDP also said that under the leadership of its current Director General, Upazila Ansar companies and platoons have been reorganised and strengthened by recruiting educated, young and patriotic volunteers, significantly enhancing the force's effectiveness at the grassroots level.
By taking part in the army's summer exercise, the volunteers will gain practical experience in both conventional and unconventional warfare, integrated operations and modern military tactics, which the force believes will further strengthen their capacity to contribute to national security and disaster response in the future.
The Bangladesh Ansar and VDP expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Army for providing its volunteer members with the opportunity to participate in the exercise and for extending overall cooperation.
