President Abdul Hamid
Increase quantity, quality of scouts: President Abdul Hamid
President Abdul Hamid on Monday asked the authorities concerned to continue their efforts to increase the number of scouts alongside ensuring their quality through effective training.
The President, also the Chief Scouts, came up with the directions while inaugurating the 50th Annual General Meeting (Golden Jubilee) of the National Council of Bangladesh Scouts and the awards giving ceremony at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the city.
The President virtually joined the function from the Gallery Hall of the Bangabhaban while Bangladesh Scouts President Md Abul Kalam Azad and Chief National Commissioner Md Mozammel Haque Khan also took part in the event there.
Lauding the significant role of the scouts in serving the victims of disasters, including floods, cyclones, tidal surges and fires, in creating awareness about tree plantation, sanitation, health education, EPI programs, power and energy conservation, traffic management and the environment leading their respective fields of service.
"Bangladesh Scouts have formed 48 disaster response teams to deal with disasters. The scouts are also playing an important role, ” said Abdul Hamid
Mentioning scouting as an international voluntary, non-political and educational movement and in addition to conventional education, he also called upon all concerned to involve more youths in scouting side by side with the academic feat to build them good citizens.
Also Read: President Hamid unveils inaugural envelope of census
He added that the main objective of scouting is to develop children, adolescents and youths as ideal citizens through education through continuous and planned programs as scouting is a complementary education system.
Hamid said the scout movement is advancing with its outstanding contributions as well as glory in 171 countries across the globe while the number of scouts in Bangladesh at present is around 22 lakh.
The President said the government has extended all possible cooperation to promote the scout movement in Bangladesh. Through this, the capacity of Bangladesh Scouts will be further enhanced and the Scout members will be able to play a more effective role in building the country and the nation by imparting advanced training.
Emphasizing on empowerment of women in Bangladesh, he said boys as well as girls should be equally involved in scouting and if girls are left behind, the country’s development will be hampered.
Extending his best wishes and congratulations to all the scouts and rover scouts and leaders and guardians who have won the 'President's Scout Award', the highest award of 794 scouts in 2020 and the 'President's Rover Scout Award', the highest award of 14 Rover Scouts, he advised the scouters to reflect the scout ideology in everyone’s respective works in their personal, family and social life and dedicate themselves to the country’s development as a true patriot and volunteers.
The President said that nowadays, especially in urban areas, young boys are getting involved in various criminal activities including drugs and juvenile gangs.
He said scouting as one of the most important tools to keep children, adolescents and youth away from criminal activities, bigotry, sectarianism, terrorism and militancy.
Outgoing Kuwaiti ambassador calls on president
Kuwait's ambassador to Bangladesh Adel Mohammed Hayat paid a farewell call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban this evening.
During the meeting, President Hamid said that Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with Kuwait.
President's press secretary Joynal Abedin Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters after the meeting.
He noted the excellent relations that exist between the two countries and hoped that these relations would be further strengthened in the future.
Also read: Padma Bridge a symbol of self-reliance, self-respect: President
He also emphasized joint efforts at government and private levels to increase trade and investment between the two countries.
The President thanked the Government of Kuwait for providing free corona vaccination and medical treatment to Bangladeshis living in Kuwait.
Referring to the recent recruitment of nurses from Bangladesh in Kuwait, the President called upon the Government of Kuwait to take more skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh in various sectors.
Thanking the Kuwaiti government for providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya, the President hoped that Kuwait would play a stronger role in resolving the issue.
He thanked the outgoing Ambassador of Kuwait for his successful discharge.
Also read: President Hamid unveils inaugural envelope of census
The outgoing Ambassador of Kuwait expressed his gratitude to the President for his overall cooperation during his tenure in Bangladesh.
Secretaries to the President's Office and other officials were also present at the time.
President, PM greet Queen Elizabeth II on Platinum Jubilee
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have conveyed their heartfelt felicitations and warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year services to the UK, her Realms and the Commonwealth.
In separate messages sent on Thursday, both the President and the Prime Minister have wished the Queen’s good health, happiness, and long life, and the continued peace, progress and prosperity to the friendly people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and the Commonwealth.
Also read: Commonwealth missions in Dhaka celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign
President Hamid in his message said, “I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on this auspicious occasion of Platinum Jubilee of Queen's accession to the Throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland, and the glorious seventy years of your service and dedication to your nation."
"On your Platinum Jubilee, I renew my pledge to work closely to the further deepening and widening of the very special bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.”
Prime Minister Hasina in her message said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I extend to Your Majesty our heartfelt felicitations and warmest greetings on the very joyous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee marking your 70th Anniversary of accession to the throne of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
She paid her special tribute on this historic occasion for the exemplary grace, duty, and service the Queen served in her nation, the Realms, and the Commonwealth during the past seven decades.
Also read:Rotary in Bangladesh marks Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on throne
"Your extraordinary leadership and legacy as the longest-reigning Monarch of the world and the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations continue to inspire us and remain as a symbol of our strength and unity," said the Prime Minister.
"It is with great esteem and affection that we in Bangladesh, as well as our vibrant British-Bangladeshi Diaspora, cherish Your Majesty's enduring contributions over the past fifty-one years in deepening the long-standing friendship between our two Nations."
The PM said, "The people of Bangladesh joined me to convey on this momentous year our very best wishes and prayers for Your Majesty's continued good health, happiness, and long life, and the friendly people of the United Kingdom the peace, progress, and prosperity.”
President shocked at death of journalist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury
President Abdul Hamid on Thursday expressed deep shock at the death of eminent journalist and writer Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury.
In a condolence message, the President said that Bangladesh has lost a pioneer who was progressive, creative and believed in the spirit of the Liberation War. His immortal song on language movement gave immense courage and inspiration to the Bengali nation during the Liberation War.
Also read: Veteran journalist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury no more
The President also prayed for the departed soul of Gaffar Chowdhury and conveyed his deepest condolences to his bereaved family.
He was born in Ulania, Mehendiganj, Barisal Division and graduated from Dhaka University in 1959 and went to England on 5 October 1974.
President Hamid urges global efforts to combat climate change
President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday called for comprehensive global steps to combat the adverse effects of global warming on food security.
“We must turn our words into action. Climate change knows no boundary,” he said while addressing virtually the International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security in South Asia at the senate building of Dhaka University.
Also read: Six non-resident envoys present credentials to President Hamid
The porgramme was organised by the International Committee of CCFS.
Saying ‘the world is more united than ever before in addressing the threats of climate change considering the vulnerabilities and the worst effect,’ the president said none can remain idle until this misfortune actually unfolds.
“The time of action cannot be delayed,” he emphasised.
Consolatory commitments, showy speeches, attractive slogans and presentation of substantial papers are not enough to mitigate the problem, he also said.
BRAC University VC calls on president
BRAC University Vice Chancellor professor Vincent Chang called on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the evening.
Press Secretary to the President Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters after the meeting.
Also read:Celebrate Eid adhering to Covid-safety protocols: President Hamid
During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor briefed the President on the overall activities of BRAC University, including its academic and development activities.
He also invited the President to preside over the next convocation of BRAC University.
Noting that there is no alternative to quality education in human resource development, President Hamid directed the universities to ensure quality education.
Also read: President Hamid congratulates Macron on re-election
The President also suggested strengthening research and innovation activities as well as formulating curricula in tandem with the world.
Secretary to the President's Office Sampad Barua and Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam were also present on the occasion.
Celebrate Eid adhering to Covid-safety protocols: President Hamid
President Abdul Hamid on Tuesday urged people to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr adhering to all Covid-safety protocols "as the (coronavirus) situation may deteriorate any time".
"The (coronavirus) situation may deteriorate any time if people do not become aware of their movement and lifestyle at this moment," Hamid said.
The President said these while conveying Eid greetings to the countrymen through media at Bangabhaban’s Credential Hall after offering Eid prayers this morning.
Due to the Covid pandemic, no religious festival of any community, including Eid, could be celebrated and enjoyed in the expected joyous atmosphere in the last two years, Hamid said.
The President said the corona situation at present is very much under control, "so it is normal that people will have a tendency to enjoy unbridled joy now".
Also Read: Hasina greets freedom fighters on eid
"But you have to keep in mind one thing. The Covid-19 pandemic is under control but this lethal disease has not completely disappeared. Corona infections are on the rise again in many parts of the world. We must not invite danger while indulging in joy during the Eid celebrations," he said.
Hamid also urged the people to share the joy of Eid with all, rich and poor alike.
Noting that the current government is making continuous efforts to put a smile on the face of every citizen of the country, he said, "Before the Eid-ul-Fitr, 32,904 landless and homeless families were given houses as a gift from PM Sheikh Hasina."
"Everyone's pledge on this Eid-ul-Fitr is to make everyone smile by building a hunger-free, poverty-free and happy-prosperous Bangladesh," the President added.
Earlier, President Hamid offered Eid prayers at Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban.
The Eid jamaat (congregation) at Bangabhaban was held in the morning (9:30 am), President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin told UNB.
The President usually attends the traditional Eid prayers in capital's National Eidgah Maidan but like the last two years, the programme has been scrapped due to the rise of Covid cases in some countries.
Also Read: President Hamid congratulates Macron on re-election
President visits development projects in Kishoreganj
President Abdul Hamid on Monday visited various development projects of Mithamain and Itna Upazilas in Kishoreganj district.
He enquired about the progress made in the projects, including Hasanpur Bridge under Mithamin Upazila and Balikhola Ferry Ghat at Chong Noagaon under Karimganj.
He also visited the under-construction Technical School and College in Itna.
Also read: Work for national welfare, President Hamid urges scouts
During the visit, the president was informed about the progress of the construction work.
Hamid, on a five-day visit to his native district Kishoreganj since March 27, also went to the Balda Ferry Ghat on the Ujandhanu River and Moheschandra Govt Model High School of Itna upazila.
Local MP Rezwan Ahammad Taufiq, local people's representatives and senior officials concerned accompanied him.
Also read: ACC annual reports handed to president
JS goes into session today
The 17th session of the 11th Parliament will begin at 5pm on Monday.
President Abdul Hamid, also the head of the state, convened the session exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Clause (1) of Article 72 of the Constitution.
Read: President summons 17th JS session on March 28
The 16th session of 11th parliament was prorogued on 27 January after five sittings as the first session of the year began on 16 January.
Work for national welfare, President Hamid urges scouts
President Abdul Hamid on Sunday asked the scouts to work for good of the society in the spirit of the Liberation War.
"Do good deeds for you and encourage others to do good deeds," Hamid, also the chief scout of Bangladesh said after inaugurating the five-day "Third National Disaster Management Scout Camp" here.
The camp was arranged at Muktijoddha Abdul Haq Government College ground here this afternoon with the participation of about 1,500 scout members from home and abroad.
Read:Hamid, Hasina pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs
“I hope that your position will be against drugs, against terrorism and militancy " he said.
The president said that the national development will be accelerated if the teachings of scouting are followed in personal, family and social lives.
Scouts must play a strong role in building a Bangladesh free of illiteracy, poverty and hunger. The scout members would devote themselves to any need of the emergency, including natural calamities as patriots and volunteers, the president said.
Appreciating the significant role played by the scouts in various social works as well as in dealing with the natural disasters and doing humanitarian work, he said scouting could make a positive contribution to keeping children and adolescents and youth safe and away from the poison of drugs, bigotry, sectarianism, terrorism and militancy.
He also urged the scout leaders to utilize scouting activities to build the next generation as skilled human resources as they will lead the country's ongoing development progress.
“Scouting helps a learner to become a good citizen through training along with studies. . . Utilise scouting to serve the country and do humanitarian welfare acts,” the president said.
He unveiled commemorative stamps on the occasion of the 3rd National Disaster Management Scout Camp.
Read: Six non-resident envoys present credentials to President Hamid
President of Bangladesh Scouts Abul Kalam Azad, Camp Chief and Chief National Commissioner Dr. Mozammel Haque Khan and National Commissioner MM Fazlul Haque Arif also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, President Hamid left Dhaka for his native district Kishoreganj on a five-day visit.