The government has deployed 5,000 armed integrated Ansar members in 500 upazila health complexes across the country to strengthen security, prevent irregularities, and ensure smooth healthcare services for the public, the force said on Wednesday.
The announcement was made at a programme held at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), where senior officials provided operational guidance for the newly deployed personnel.
Speaking as the chief guest, Brigadier General Mamunur Rashid, additional director general of the force, said the initiative is part of the government’s national security plan.
He said each upazila health complex will have 10 Ansar members, including one platoon commander, one assistant platoon commander and eight members, working in shifts to ensure 24-hour security coverage.
Mamunur Rashid said their main responsibilities include maintaining discipline in health facilities and ensuring uninterrupted services for patients.
He also directed members to take a strong stand against brokering, illegal ambulance operations, drug-related activities and other forms of misconduct in and around health complexes.
The Ansar VDP additional director general noted that Ansar members have already earned trust through their performance in various specialised government hospitals and healthcare institutions, and urged them to maintain the same standard in their new postings.
He warned that any involvement in unethical or criminal activities will lead to strict legal action.
Mamunur Rashid further said a modern software-based screening system is being used in recruitment and deployment to ensure transparency and professionalism within the force.
He expressed hope that continued discipline and efficiency will also help expand overseas employment opportunities for members in countries, including Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Moldova.
Officials said the deployment is expected to ease long-standing security concerns of doctors and health workers at field level, reduce the influence of brokers, improve safety for service recipients, and help protect government property while improving overall discipline in healthcare delivery.
Ansar-VDP Deputy Director General (Training) Md Rafiqul Islam, Director (Integration) Md Abdul Majid, and Dhaka District Commandant Md Rasheduzzaman, along with senior officials, were present at the event.