The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called upon all to turn scouting into a social movement to build a prosperous Bangladesh for future generation.

He hoped that the scout leaders will continue their efforts to make the scouting programmes time-befitting and harmonious to the sustainable socio-economic development of the country.

The Chief Adviser urged them to give top priority to learn information and communication technology, computer, international languages and mastering applied techniques of the latest knowledge of science and technology to march forward with the modern world.

Dr Fakhruddin said this while addressing an award giving ceremony of Shapla Cub Scouts at the Chief Adviser's office organised by Bangladesh Scouts, where 81 Cub Scouts received awards. The Chief Adviser distributed awards among the Cub Scouts.

Chief National Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts M Fazlur Rahman also spoke on the occasion with Scouts President Dr Shah Mohammad Farid in the chair while National Commissioner (Programme) Abul Kalam Azad gave address of welcome.

Dr Fakhruddin said the scout movement plays a significant role in building up children, juveniles and youths as honest, righteous, self- determined and ideal citizens. Bangladesh Scouts is playing a strong role in this regard, he added.

He urged the scout authorities to take initiatives for raising the number of scouts in the country as well as increasing their quality and skill. Referring to one million scouts in the country, he said the number is very poor in proportionate to the country's population.

Expressing satisfaction over the relentless works of the scouts in tackling natural disaster, the Chief Adviser said services provided by the scouts in the Sidr-hit areas and for flood and cold stricken people attained reputation from all corners.

The role of the scouts in creating awareness in plantation, sanitation, health and environment protection and cooperating different government agencies in maintaining peace and order is now visible to all. Such services will be extended in future, he hoped. Dr Fakhruddin said selfishness, jealousy, greed, degradation of moral values are some elements want to destroy qualities of human being.

Cyber crime, drug addiction, terrorism and different offences make negative influences on life of juveniles and youths, he pointed out and added it is a must to get rid of such menaces.

Ideal and virtuous leadership and world citizens imbued with human values is necessary to face the odds of time, the Chief Adviser said adding the world scout movement can play a pioneering role in this regard.

Today's children are future of the nation and its main driving force, Dr Fakhruddin said and called upon all to the extend the programmes related to Shapla Cub Award across the country for building children as good and self motivated citizens.

Referring to extension of scout movement, the Chief Adviser said the cub groups have been formed in most of the government and non- government primary schools. In future, it will be made obligatory so that children and juveniles can be self reliant and well-educated.

Dr Fakhruddin hoped that the young scouts will implement in practical life what they learned from scouting and motivate their friends to join this movement.