24 APR Scout Conference Bangladesh-2012

24 APR Scout Conference concludes as one of the best organized conferences

This article is a brief overview of the conference and its ancillary events. A comprehensive report will be published covering the various areas, including the business sessions, special events and gatherings, and educational tour.

Organization and Participation.

Pleasant surprises and many great things have been said about the conference from the day of welcome to the time of farewell. Still, the APR Inbox puts on record that the 24^th APR

Scout Conference hosted by Bangladesh Scouts on 24-29 November 2012 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka, was very well-organized and the hospitality of Bangladesh leaders and Scouts was unquestionably superb. While the Regional Scout Committee put together the official and business side of Scouting, Bangladesh Scouts hosted the conference with their best efforts to bring out the joy and warmth in everyone.

         H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the opening ceremony and welcomed overseas participants to see the beauty, colour and culture of Bangladesh. The support and presence of Md. Abdul Karim, President of Bangladesh Scouts and Md Abul Kalam Azad, Chief National Commissioner were strongly felt throughout the event. The conference had more than 425 participants and guests from 25 NSOs in the Asia-Pacific Region, with guests from Africa, Arab, Inter-America, Europe and Eurasia. A number of World Scout Committee (WSC) members were present, including the Chairperson Mr Simon Rhee, Secretary General Luc Panissod and Secretary General designate Scott Teare. Host Organizing Committee Chairman Mr Habibul Alam said in his remarks that although there might be some limitations in some areas, he assured the participants that their best efforts have been utilized. Welcome dinner was arranged at the Army Golf Club with chief guest, Mr Abul Maal A Muhith, Finance Minister and patron of the conference. In the midst of adrenaline rush, the conference did not forget to offer a moment of silence and prayer for the victims and bereaved families of the tragic fire that occurred in a garment factory in Bangladesh at the time of the conference.