The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Gazipur

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on Monday said here the latent talents of our meritorious new generation have to be explored through providing them with proper education and training to build a prosperous nation.

"As you know, our new generation is enriched with multi- phases talents. We have to use their talents and feats to achieve the country's socio-economic development through exploring the very essential virtues like patriotism, benevolence, honesty, integrity and responsibility in them," he added.

The President said this while addressing the inaugural function of the Annual General Meeting of the 36th Council of Bangladesh Scouts at Mouchak here on Monday.

President of Bangladesh Scouts Dr Shah Mohammad Farid and Chief National Commissioner Muhammad Fazlur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.

Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present.

Describing scouting as the movement for creating ideal citizen, Professor Iajuddin, who is also the Chief Scout of Bangladesh, said it is possible to expand and strengthen the movement across the country through collective efforts and proper leadership.

The President also underscored the need for spreading out the movement to the educational institutes in the rural areas side by side of the schools and colleges in the urban areas through giving the teachers and guardians proper concept of the scout movement by making it more popular and extensive.

Referring to the various activities and programmes implemented by Bangladesh Scouts including holding of the COMDECA in Cox's Bazar and relief operation in the cyclone affected areas, he said, the juvenile and youths of the country have been inspired to stand by the distressed people during the period of necessity of the country and the nation.

"The activities of the scout movement is seen at the urban schools and colleges, but it is quite limited in rural areas. I call upon the national leaders of Bangladesh Scouts to put special attention so that the scout movement would not be turned into ceremonial and urban- oriented one," he added.

Underscoring the need for involving girl students into scout movement at higher rate and undertaking steps towards increasing the quality and skill of the scouts, the President said number of total scouts in the country is still fewer in comparison to its current population.

"I came to know that the present number of scouts in the country is 10 lakh. I think it is necessary to undertake more initiatives to increase the numbers of scouts in the country, their skill and quality," he added.

He also urged all concerned to come forward with their experience, inspiration and smooth working plan to expand the activities of the scouts across the country and assured of his all out cooperation in this regard.

President Iajuddin also distributed awards among the nine persons for their great contribution to expanding and development of Bangladesh Scouts.

He also went round the cub carnival stations on the council premises.