The Bangladesh Ansar (also known as the Ansar Bahini) is a disciplined force for the preservation of internal security and law enforcement in Bangladesh. It is administered by the Home Ministry of the Government of Bangladesh.[1][2] The name originates from the Arabic word of "Ansar", which denotes a "person who helps" and specifically refers to the companions of Muhammad, the prophet-founder of Islam, during his exile from Mecca.[1][2]
Contents |
The Ansar were formed out of the remnants of the Indian Home Guard who were from East Bengal, which had become a part of Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947.[2] The force was formed as the "East Pakistan Ansars" by the East Pakistan Ansars Act of 1948, and officially launched on February 12, 1948.[2] The first director of the Ansar was James Buchanan, a British official appointed by the government of then-Chief Minister of East Bengal Khawaja Nazimuddin.[2] The force was placed under the administration of the home ministry of the province of East Bengal (later known as East Pakistan). During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Ansar were deployed to the border areas along with the East Pakistan Rifles to support the Pakistani army.[2]
During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, most of the Ansar joined the Awami League-led Mukti Bahini guerrillas to fight against the Pakistani army.[2] After the independence of Bangladesh, the force was reconstituted as the Bangladesh Ansar. The Ansar were given fresh importance by the government of President Ziaur Rahman, which designated the Ansar as the "people's defence force" and formed Ansar battalions.[1]
In 1976, 20 Battalions of Ansar were raised in line with the Armed Police Battalions to augment the strength of the security forces. At present, there are 36 Male and two Female Ansar Battalions deployed all over the country. Battalion Ansars are mainly deployed in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) for Counter Insurgency Operations (CIO) and south-western region of the country for Counter Terrorism Operations. In the regular process of evolution, members of Ansar Battalions are gradually being upgraded to the regular force of this organization. Their service is brought under Nation Pay Scale, they are getting family ration and they have got combat uniform since October 15, 2008.[2]
While mainly charged with maintaining law and order, the Ansar are also assigned to help in schemes promoting local development.[2][1][3] The Ansar are headed by a director-general, a post currently held by Major General Md Zahidur Rahman, .[3] The director-general also heads the Village Defence Party (VDPs). The headquarters of the Ansar is located in Dhaka and the national training centre is located in Gazipur, north of the national capital, Dhaka.[1] The Ansar often operate alongside the Bangladeshi Army and the Bangladesh Police.[1] The total strength of the Ansar is 20,000.[1]