Wage social movement against militancy: President

President Abdul Hamid today underscored the need for waging a social movement against militancy and drug abuse.

"Drug addiction is misleading the youth and creating a social instability. Apart from that, militancy has become a global problem. We need to wage a social movement against the two menaces," he said.

Abdul Hamid said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 45th Annual General Meeting of Bangladesh Scouts at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

"All will have to put in their best efforts to stamp out these problems from society. I believe scouts can play an important role in this regard," the president further said.

President Hamid underscored the need for taking steps so that students can employ themselves in cultural activities from their school life. "More importantly, efforts should be continued so that students can know about the art, culture and literature of their own country."

Abdul Hamid said he is happy to know that scouting will be the world's largest education-based youth movement in 2023 when 100 million young scouts will be working in their respective communities for a positive change.

He said there are 1.5 million scouts in Bangladesh and the number will be raised to 2.1 million in 2021 when the country will celebrate 50 years of its independence.

President Hamid urged the authorities concerned to increase the number of girl scouts as their number in the country is only 180,000.

He said the present government is extending all-out cooperation in intensifying the scout movement in Bangladesh.

At the programme, eight people were awarded ‘Silver Tiger’ award while 18 others ‘Silver Hilsa’ award.

Bangladesh Scouts President Abdul Kalam Azad and Chief National Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts Dr Md Mozammel Haque Khan also spoke on the occasion.