S. M. M. Musabbir Uddin

Scouting is a worldwide youth social movement employing the Scout Method. It is a global youth movement that builds friendships, experiences and skill for life, shaping young people's future as active citizens. More than 500 million young and adult have joined and experience the power of Scouting as non formal education.

The scout movement has continued to grow and is now active more than in 174 National Scout's Organisations.

Scouting started mainly in 1907 by organizing first experiment camp with 20 boys at Brown Sea Island at United Kingdom. It was created by a man who was served in the army named Robert Stephenson Smyth Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell (1857-1941). His father name is Robert Baden Powell and his mother name is Henrietta Grace Smyth.

After the first camp, In 1908 he written a book named "Scouting for Boys". After the publication of this book, Scouting was started spread in Europe and some East Asia countries for example: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand etc. In 1910, Lord Baden Powell started Girl Guides under the leadership of his sister, Agnes.

In 1914 When the first World War broke out, the Patrol system of Scouting started. It proved highly effective and kept the movement afloat as many adult was busy at the war. Then 1920 the Patrol system was approved and applicable for Scouting. In 1916 Cub scout was originated and published another book named " Wolf Cub Handbook" by using of "Jungle Book" which was written by Rudyard Kipling. In 1918, Rover scout was founded.

In 1920, the first World Scout Jamboree was held in Olympia, London with participating of 33 countries. In this year, WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement) was formed. Then the scouting was spreading around the world. In 2007, Scout celebrate 100 years of Scouting and 21st World Scout Jamboree was held in Chelmsford, Hyland House, Essex.

The Bangladesh was under the sub continent of India. The India was ruled under the British Empire. Scouting started in 1909 but it for British children. Then in 1919, the restriction for Indian children was removed. After the partition in 1947, the India sub continent was divided into countries India and Pakistan. Bangladesh was under the rule of Pakistan government. The Bangladesh was East Pakistan. In 1958, The East Bengal Boy Scout Association was founded and under the Pakistan Boy Scout Association. It was continued until 1971.

In 1971, A Liberation War was broke out. During Liberation War, Scouts was to carry official letters and mail them to the Muktijoddhas and Bangladesh Army Field.

In 16 December 1971, we claimed victory to the Pakistan and created a country named "Bangladesh". After the liberation in 9 April, 1972, The " Bangladesh Boy Scout Association" was formed and First Chief National Commissioner Md. Peare Ali Nazir.

In the same year 11 September, The Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh approved the "Bangladesh Boy Scout Association" by the ordinance No 111/1972.

In 1974, The National Scout Rally was held in Pulerhat, Jessore. In the same year 1st June, WOSM approved the Bangladesh Boy Scout Association as 105th member of World Scouting.

In 1978, The first National Jamboree was held in Mouchak, Gazipur in 1978. In 30 December, 1978, An general meeting was held and changed the name of "Bangladesh Boy Scout Association" into "Bangladesh Scouts".

Bangladesh Scouts is an active member in Scouting. It is now fifth highest country of Scouting in the world. They are involved many national and international activities.

Bangladesh Scouts is now involved in SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) implement. They are also trying to fulfil the SDG programme within 2030. 4 people of Bangladesh had achieved Bronze Wolf (Highest prestigious award in World Scouting). They have been participating many International programmes including World Scout Jamborees and connected with other countries.

Moreover, Bangladesh Scouts also collaborated with government and done many services. For example: they are helping people who are going to his native village during Eid, Tree plantation programme, Awareness about the climate change, health seminars etc.

Bangladesh Scouts started the Messenger of Peace programme. This programme is inspired many scouts to achieve peace in our country. Bangladesh Scouts also started ICT (Information and Communication Technology) programme which is very important for the scouts to deal with modern world. Bangladesh Scouts is also implement the Safe from Harm policy which is very important for adult leaders.

The writer is a Bangladesh Scouts, Dhaka District Rover