Staff Correspondent
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian on Saturday said Bangladesh cannot become a truly humane society unless people awaken their conscience, uphold moral values and embrace their responsibilities as human beings.
Speaking at a motivational meeting for heads of educational institutions titled “The Role of Scouting in Building a New Bangladesh” at Chattogram College Auditorium, he said technological advancement and infrastructure development alone are insufficient to build the country envisioned by its citizens.
“We must fulfil our responsibilities not only as teachers, officials, parents or administrators, but also as human beings,” he said.
The programme was organised by Bangladesh Scouts, Chattogram Metropolitan District.
Highlighting the importance of humanity, Zahidul Islam said a person’s true worth lies not in their position or status but in their compassion, ethics and sense of responsibility.
Referring to the origins of the Scout movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell, he said scouting was established to nurture responsible and conscientious citizens in the aftermath of war, a mission that remains relevant today.
He also cited Albert Einstein’s observation that the world suffers not only because of wrongdoers but because good people often remain silent in the face of injustice.
The deputy commissioner said education should go beyond academic achievement and focus on developing responsible citizens who respect others, stand beside the vulnerable and contribute positively to society.
Addressing teachers, he noted that students learn as much from their teachers’ conduct as they do from textbooks.
“Our children need role models whose lives reflect the values we seek to teach,” he said.
Describing people as Bangladesh’s greatest asset, he said the country’s strength lies in its vast human resources and stressed the need to develop citizens not only through skills and knowledge but also through moral and ethical education.
He also expressed concern over the continuing migration of talented young Bangladeshis abroad and called for creating opportunities that encourage them to contribute to the country’s development.
On the growing influence of technology, Zahidul Islam warned that technological systems are increasingly considered more reliable than human testimony in many cases.
“If we do not want technology to dominate humanity, we must awaken our conscience. Human superiority in this technological age lies in humanity, values and responsibility,” he said.
He further observed that law enforcement alone cannot eliminate social problems such as drug abuse and crime, emphasising the need for social resistance, public awareness and moral education.
Chattogram College Principal Prof Mohammad Mojahedul Islam Chowdhury, District Education Officer Md Abdul Aziz and District Primary Education Officer Firoz Ahmed spoke as special guests.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sharif Uddin presided over the programme, while Bangladesh Scouts, Chattogram Metropolitan District Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
At the end of the event, Bangladesh Bank Colony Scout Group, Jameya Ahmadia Sunnia Mohila Kamil Madrasa, and Alhaj Ayakub Ali Girls’ High School and College received honorary crests for their contributions to scouting.
