City Desk :
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday called for vigilance against fraudulent activities masquerading as humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for genuine service.
Speaking at the 37th Annual Convention of the Lions Clubs International Multiple District-315 Bangladesh, held at a Dhaka hotel, he highlighted the misuse of aid for personal gain, reports UNB.
“These days, some bogus organizations cheat people in the name of humanitarian services and use this as a money-making tool,” President Shahabuddin said during his speech.
He urged Lions Clubs members to support the government’s development initiatives, emphasizing their role in advancing the nation.
“As a non-government service organization, Lions Clubs International can further contribute to environmental protection, poverty alleviation, combating corruption, and establishing the rule of law,” he added.
President Shahabuddin praised the Lions Clubs for their significant contributions to social welfare in Bangladesh and globally.
“You (Lions) can help the poor and helpless, rehabilitate the destitute, provide educational materials, and organize voluntary blood donation programs, tree plantation campaigns, and other humanitarian activities to support people,” he noted.
He recognized the Lions Club as one of the oldest and largest voluntary organizations worldwide, with approximately 1.4 million members serving humanity through 49,000 clubs.
Highlighting the government’s various development activities, President Shahabuddin noted significant achievements across sectors, including the economy, communication, education, health, and women’s empowerment.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Bangladesh’s seven district Lions Clubs in poverty alleviation and societal development, operating under the slogan ‘Serve Humanity, Save Society.’
“Social service and social welfare institutions have been built, and people are constantly benefiting from your combined efforts,” he said.
Concluding his speech, President Shahabuddin expressed optimism for the future, stating, “As the number of big-hearted people dedicated to human welfare increases day by day in a developing country like ours, it will be easier to establish a welfare state free from hunger and poverty.”
The president asked the Lion members to come forward along with the government to build developed and prosperous ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041 in continuation with the Digital Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
