This day honours Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, and reminds us that Scouts are part of one global family. It is a day of reflection, service and renewed commitment.

The idea of this day began in 1926 during an international conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The date, 22 February, was chosen because it is the joint birthday of Baden-Powell and his wife, Olave Baden-Powell. Since then, Scouts across the world have observed this day by reflecting on their shared responsibility to create a better world.

Around the globe, Scouts celebrate the day through ceremonies, community service and discussions about global issues. Many groups arrange flag hoisting ceremonies to renew their promise and organise service activities such as cleaning drives, tree planting and helping those in need.

In Bangladesh, the day is observed with great enthusiasm by Bangladesh Scouts and Bangladesh Girl Guides Association. Schools, colleges and local groups arrange programmes that include speeches, cultural events and service projects. Bangladesh also celebrates Bangladesh Scouts Day in April. This national observance focuses on the development and contributions of Scouting within the country. Large gatherings, camps and leadership programmes are organised to encourage youth participation.

To understand the deeper meaning of Scouts Day, we spoke with Imtiaz Ahmed Sakib, a long-time Scout and youth leader who has served in various leadership roles within Bangladesh Scouts. Reflecting on the significance of the day, he said, “Scouts Day for me is a reminder that I am part of something much bigger than myself.” He explained that Scouting is not only about uniforms or camps. According to him, “Scouts believe in leaving every place better than we found it, whether it is our room, our community or our country.” This simple belief captures the true spirit of Scouts Day.

When asked how Scouting shapes young people, he said, “In short, the person I am now is because of Scouting.” He described how early exposure to camps and diverse cultures prepared him to adapt to different situations and take on leadership roles later in life.

Scouts Day also reminds young people that character building takes time and effort. As he shared, “Scouting teaches you that character is built through effort, patience and service.” Historically, many distinguished individuals in Bangladesh were Scouts in their youth, including Tajuddin Ahmad and Muhammad Yunus. This shows how Scouting builds foundational values early in life that later shape national leadership.

If Bangladesh Scouts continues adapting to modern challenges while remaining true to its core principles, it will continue to produce leaders who serve with integrity and vision. This message is especially important for today’s students, who often focus solely on academic success. Scouting provides practical learning, leadership training and moral guidance that classroom education alone cannot offer.

Whether celebrated globally on 22 February or nationally in April in Bangladesh, the message remains the same. Scouts Day is a celebration of unity, leadership and service. It reminds young people that they are connected to a worldwide movement that believes in peace, responsibility and positive change.

As Imtiaz shared, “My message to Bangladeshi students would be simple: if you want to grow as a responsible and confident citizen, join Scouts. We have recently seen, especially during the events of July, how powerful young voices can be in shaping conversations about our country’s future. Many young people who stepped forward to express their concerns were connected, directly or indirectly, to leadership platforms like Scouting. That shows how important youth development spaces are. Scouting gives you more than badges or camps. It teaches you leadership, teamwork, resilience and how to take initiative. It gives you a platform to express your ideas, serve your community and turn your concerns into constructive and disciplined action.”

And as the Scouts motto says, “Do your best!”