Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Singapore, Morocco, Kosovo and the Maldives visited the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force (VDP) Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur, on Monday to observe its training facilities, technical skills development programmes and initiatives to prepare skilled manpower for domestic and international job markets.
The delegation was briefed by Ansar-VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud on the force’s organisational structure, training programmes, modernisation initiatives and contributions to public security and socioeconomic development.
The director general highlighted several reforms, including efforts to ensure 50 per cent female representation at all levels, the introduction of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, and initiatives to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through the Ansar-VDP Development Bank and Project Sanjibon.
He said the force was working to develop a skilled workforce in line with international standards, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO), while promoting ethical migration and safe overseas employment through partnerships with international organisations, including those in Japan.
The delegation later visited the Marginal Power Training Centre (PSTC) in electric vehicles and toured several vocational training facilities. These included a 6G welding workshop, renewable energy and solar power training programmes, a driving simulator, a mobile ICT training bus, handicraft workshops, a Japanese language training centre, and hospitality and culinary training facilities.
They also observed training programmes in construction, driving and the garment industry. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facilities, modern equipment and practical training opportunities.
The visit highlighted the potential of vocational education to expand employment opportunities, support industrial development and prepare skilled workers for international labour markets. Training in renewable energy, ICT and Japanese language was also highlighted as a means of improving technical expertise and adaptability to global workplaces.
With a network of more than six million members, the Ansar-VDP aims to strengthen the socioeconomic capacity of marginalised communities through skills development, employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the force’s training capabilities and modernisation initiatives internationally, while opening avenues for cooperation and experience-sharing in technical education and workforce development.
The visiting dignitaries included Maldives High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed, Kosovo Ambassador Lulzim Pllana, Singapore Acting High Commissioner Philip Ong and Moroccan Ambassador Lalla Bouthaina El Kerdoudi El Koulali.
