The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Gazipur

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed has stressed the need for grooming all the talented youths through providing proper education and training to them for accelerating the country's socioeconomic development.

"We should help them by grooming their good qualities, including patriotism, honesty, sincerity, benevolent activities and responsibility. Scouting can play a vital role in achieving that," he said while addressing the inaugural programme of the 36th annual general meeting of the National Council of Bangladesh Scouts at National Scout Training centre in Mouchak here.

Paying rich tributes to Lord Baden Powell, the pioneer of scouting, Dr Iajuddin expressed the hope that the scout movement could be greatly promoted and expanded through united efforts of all and proper leadership.

The President mentioned the participation of Bangladesh Scout members in relief operation in the Sidr-affected areas and said: "It's the expectation of the nation that the youth, imbued with the sprit of serving the distressed humanity, would stand beside the people when the country needs it."

Describing various successful scout events both at the national and international levels marking the celebrations of scout centennial founding anniversary, he said, "We all will have to uphold this reputation through multifarious development activities."

He also urged the top scout national leaders to increase the number of scouts in the country and give special attention to scouting so that its movement does not remain limited in urban areas and depend only on formalities.

"Although scouting is visible in urban schools and colleges, its activities is limited in rural educational institutions. I think it is imperative to give a clear idea to teachers and guardians to further expand and make popular this activity," he observed.

Assuring of his all-out cooperation as the chief scout, Dr Ahmed called upon all concerned to come forward in expending the activities of scouts.

President of Bangladesh Scouts Dr Shah Mohammed Farid presided over the meeting. Chief National Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts Mohd Fazlur Rahman, among others, spoke on the occasion.