DHAKA, Mar 16, 2023 (BSS) - President M Abdul Hamid today urged all concerned, including scout leaders, to turn the next generation into skilled manpower through scouting to lead the ongoing progress of Bangladesh. 

"You will reflect the Scout ideals in your personal, family and social lives... And dedicate yourself to the country's development," he told the scouts at their 51st 'Annual General Meeting of National Council of Bangladesh Scouts' at Osmani Smrity Auditorium here this afternoon. 

The President, also the chief scout, called upon the scouts to play a strong role to free Bangladesh from illiteracy, poverty and hunger. 

"Scouts will devote himself as a true patriot and volunteer during the urgency of the country and its people," he hoped.

Appreciating the voluntary work of the scouts, the President said apart from doing their duty towards the Creator and the country, the scouts are involved in different social development activities, tree plantation, conservation of environment and biodiversity, creating public awareness to prevent climate change affects, rescue campaign during calamities, including flood, cyclone, building collapse and fire. 

President Hamid thanked the Bangladesh Scouts for their important contribution to disaster management in the country by participating in rescue campaign, relief distribution and rehabilitation activities with the local people as volunteers in all disaster risk reduction initiatives in Bangladesh. 

These services will expand in the days to come, the Head of State expressed the hope.

Due to geographical location, the negative effects of the climate change and subsequent global warming have created a different reality globally today, he said, adding: "Our scouts are playing an important role in serving the humanity and fighting natural calamities in the country besides regular social service work." 

The President said the scouting can make the future generation modern, progressive and creative.

The Chief of Bangladesh Scouts urged the scouts to know the glorious history and heritage of Bangladesh, the actual history of the liberation struggle and the War of Liberation in 1971.

Abdul Hamid said, scouting can make a positive contribution to make the beloved motherland Bangladesh more beautiful, especially to keep children, teenagers and youths safe and away from the drug abuse fanaticism, superstition, terrorism and militancy. 

The government has set a target to make Bangladesh a developed, prosperous and smart country by 2041, the Chief Scout mentioned.

He said in order to continue this progress of the development of the government, the scout movement in Bangladesh should be strengthened to make the new generation as skilled and humane people. 

President Hamid congratulated all those who achieved the 'President's Scout Award', 'Silver Tiger Award, and 'Silver Elisha' and their leaders and parents. 

Bangladesh Scouts president Md Abul Kalam Azad, Chief National Commissioner and ACC commissioner Dr. Md Mozammel Haque Khan and National Commissioner (Programme) Md Atiquzzaman and officials from various levels of government and local public representatives, among others, were present.