Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid on Monday stressed the importance of instilling patriotism in children and youths alongside moral and practical education, reports the UNB.
‘Though we’re the role model of development around the world and able to attract all for achievements in socio-economic indexes, we’ve to go a long way to attain the goals of the Liberation War. You have to imbue the children, adolescents and youths with patriotism alongside the moral and practical education,’ he said.

The President made the remarks while addressing in the inaugural programme of 47th General Meeting of the National Council of Bangladesh Scouts at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the city.
He said, ‘Scouts should know the real history of the struggle for independence and the Liberation War. Scout leaders will have to take effective measures to hold the Liberation War spirit.’        
Describing children as the country’s future and main driving force, Abdul Hamid said, ‘It’s one of your main responsibilities to make them well-educated through moral education and practical training.’
Moral degradation, selfishness, jealousy and greed have a negative impact on children and adolescents, he said, adding that the menace of terrorism, militancy and fundamentalism as well as the misuse of technology worldwide are also contributing to misguiding the youth and destroying their talents.
The President, also the chief scout, urged the scouts to play an effective role in this regard. ‘You’ll have to develop their human values to make them good citizens keeping them way from these menaces.’
Describing Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, he said, ‘For thousands of years, people of different faiths have been living here peacefully. So, communal harmony is our great tradition. This tradition has to be maintained through collective efforts.’
Abdul Hamid underscored the need for increasing the quality of scouts alongside members as the number of Bangladesh Scouts is now 17 lakh, which is not sufficient compared to the country’s population. ‘The Bangladesh Scouts National Strategic Plan-2021 is being implemented to increase the number of scouts to 21 lakh. Scout leaders shouldn’t only focus on increasing the number but also quality.’
The 32nd Asian-Pacific Scout Jamboree will be held in Bangladesh in 2021 marking the golden jubilee of the country’s independence. ‘It’s a matter of joy. It’s expected that our scouts will contribute more to the socioeconomic development of the country.’
Chief National Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts Dr Mozammel Haque Khan delivered the inaugural speech while President of Bangladesh Scouts AbulKalam Azad presided over the programme.

Primary and Mass Education Minister Mostafizur Rahman, Planning Minister AHM Mostafa Kamal and Education Minister Nurul Islam also spoke at the programme.

The President also distributed awards among the best scouts of 2017.