Director General of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP), Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, on Sunday called for strengthening the socio-economic capacity of Sanjiban Platoon members while fostering a spirit of national service to enhance the country's security and disaster preparedness.

During a visit to the Cumilla Range and District Office, the DG reviewed the progress of the Sanjiban Project, exchanged views with Sanjiban Platoon members and inspected the Bangladesh Army's Summer Exercise-2026 in Lalmai.

Addressing a discussion titled "Formation of Sanjiban Platoons, Project Selection and Members' Responsibilities" with members from Laksam Upazila, he outlined the project's implementation strategy, future plans and the responsibilities of volunteers.

He emphasized the importance of financial planning and developing a savings culture to ensure the sustainability of income-generating projects. He also encouraged members to increase the use of solar power to reduce dependence on conventional electricity in activities such as poultry farming, fish cultivation and livestock rearing.

The DG assured members that the force would gradually provide financial management support, technical knowledge and skills training to help them successfully implement projects and achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Inspecting the Army's Summer Exercise-2026, he noted that, for the first time, volunteer members of Upazila and Thana Sanjiban Ansar Platoons were participating in the exercise aimed at strengthening national defence, enhancing inter-force coordination and promoting community-based security.

He urged the volunteers to contribute not only to their own socio-economic development through the Sanjiban Project but also to remain ready to serve the nation during emergencies. He called on them to actively participate in disaster response, flood management, tree plantation, anti-drug campaigns and other public safety initiatives.

Major General Mahmud said the military knowledge and skills gained through the exercise should be shared with other platoon members, helping build a more capable and coordinated community security network at the grassroots level.

He also stressed the importance of integrity, discipline and ethical conduct, directing members to refrain from all forms of misconduct.

Cumilla Range Commander Md. Mahbubur Rahman and other officials were present during the visit.