Feature

A scout passes torch to new generation

Star Campus Desk

A scout has passed the torch to the new generation. The chief national commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts, Md. Fazlur Rahman, passed the torch of scout leadership to the representative of the new generation, Md. Abul Kalam Azad at a function held at the Shams Hall of Bangladesh Scouts National Headquarters at Kakrail in the capital recently.

'If there's one thing I love about scouting, it's the willingness to pass the torch to the new generation,' the outgoing national commissioner said to this correspondent at an informal meeting held in Dhanmondi in the city. 'It was a seamless transition,' he said adding, 'I look to the future'.

Since formation of Bangladesh Scouts through promulgation of an ordinance by Bangladesh in 1972, no formal handing over ceremony of the chief executive of the national scout organisation was ever held.

This is for the first time in 36 years' history of scouting movement in independent Bangladesh, the fourth chief executive of Bangladesh Scouts, Md. Fazlur Rahman, also former health secretary of Bangladesh Government, did a commendable job by showing respect to the constitution.

'None will be able to hold the post of chief national commissioner for more than three terms,' according to the constitution. The clause was inserted in constitution during his tenure.

Newly-appointed chief national commissioner Abul Kalam Azad is a scout since boyhood. Also a leader trainer, Azad was the national deputy commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts. While working as upazila nirbahi officer and deputy commissioner, he held the post of presidency of upazila and zila scouts. Fazlur Rahman nominated him as national commissioner (training) and subsequently as national commissioner (programme). Besides being the first rover scout of Bangladesh President, Azad is also a member of the programme committee of the Asia-Pacific region.

As a young CSP officer, Fazlur Rahman started his career in scouting in 1972. Then he was the assistant commissioner of earstwhile Kurigram sub-division. As the chief national commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts, he contributed immensely for expansion of scouting movement all-over the country. Because of his untiring efforts, the image of Bangladesh Scouts brightened abroad.

In recognition to his clear thinking, administrative skills and tireless effort, the global scout organisation bestowed upon him the following important posts:

(1) Member of the Governance Review Task Force of the World Scout organisation's Asia-Pacific Region, 2006-2007,

(2) Member of the Adult Resources Sub-Committee of the Asia-Pacific Region, 1995-2001 (for two terms),

(3) Chairman of the Adult Resources Sub-Committee of the Asia-Pacific Region, 2000-2004,

(4) Member of the Environment Resources Sub-Committee of the Asia-Pacific Region, 1989-1992,

(5) Vice Chairman of the Environment Resources Sub-Committee of the Asia-Pacific Region, 1992-1995,

(6) Chairman of Bangladesh-Australia Child Health Project, 1986-1992,

(7) Chairman of Promotion of the Oral Rehydration Therapy (Port) Project, 1994-1996,

(8) Chairman of the organisational committee of 2nd Asia-Pacific social development camp (Comdeca), 1995.

(9) Chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Joint ORT Project, 1991-2001.