Ansar members barred from posting election duty photos on social media

Ansar and VDP director general Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud has instructed Ansar members to strictly refrain from posting any photos or videos related to weapons, equipment or election duties on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

He issued the directive on Monday, February 9, at a large preparatory assembly of Dhaka Metropolitan Ansar at the Army Stadium in Dhaka, ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

A total of 27,703 Ansar members assigned to 2,131 polling centres in Dhaka metropolitan area participated in the assembly.

Emphasising election security, the director general highlighted the effective use of the Election Security Apps, an integrated security response system and modern technology. He said the force has now fully moved towards technology-based management to ensure election security.

Breaking away from outdated traditional processes, he said the force has adopted a fully digital system, ensuring transparency and accountability in everything from duty allocation to food management. This, he added, encourages members to perform their duties free from unethical influence, guided by conscience and command.

Addressing the members, he said they are not just members of a force but guardians of the dignity of the national flag and representatives of ordinary voters, stressing that they must remain neutral and stand only for the country and its people.

He warned against terrorism and disorder, saying members must not be intimidated by pressure or threats and must not abandon polling centres under any circumstances if unrest occurs.

The director general said CCTV cameras and a digital monitoring channel extending directly to the ministry have been introduced at polling centres for the first time, allowing close monitoring at all times.

He warned that any involvement in activities against state interest or discipline would result in strict legal consequences, with no leniency.

He added that around 556,127 Ansar and VDP members will be deployed nationwide for the election and referendum, with the highest number, 27,703, stationed in Dhaka metropolitan area. Thirteen trained Ansar members will be assigned to each polling centre.