`Have great dream, defeat problems`

He terms having small aims or dreams as a ‘crime’

Former Indian president and acclaimed scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Friday inspired Bangladeshi youths to nurture great dreams, acquire knowledge continuously and defeat problems through working hard to build a better Bangladesh.

“Your dreams are Bangladesh’s dreams, your thoughts are Bangladesh’s thoughts and your actions will be Bangladesh’s actions,” he told students of various public and private universities at in a dialogue at city’s Sonargaon Hotel.

He termed having small aims or dreams as a ‘crime’ and encouraged Bangladeshi youths to think big and convert their dreams into actions through hard work.

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) arranged the event, titled ‘Youth Dialogue with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’, marking its 110 years of service on Saturday.

Before sharing his ‘journey of life’ with the students, the former Indian President recited a poem of Jalaluddin Rumi – ‘I will fly and fly’ – in chorus.

“I’m born with potential, I’m born with goodness and trust, I’m born with ideas and dreams, I’m born with greatness, I’m born with confidence, I’m born with wings, so, I’m not meant for crawling, Because I have wings, I will fly, I will fly and fly,” the students recited in chorus following inspiring Abdul Kalam’s instructions.

MCCI President Rokia Afzal Rahman and Vice President Anis A Khan also spoke on the occasion moderated by BRAC University Vice Chancellor Professor Ainun Nishat.

Describing his journey of 83-year life, Abdul Kalam said the journey of so many years was a fantastic experience with lot of unexpected happenings and happiness apart from difficult times.

He reminded the students that having a great dream and great aim in life, acquiring knowledge continuously and working hard even in difficult times are the key aspects of life.

Appreciating the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Abdul Kalam said he would always be remembered as he created Bangladesh. “For what you will be remembered?” he asked his audience giving them some encouraging messages so that can contribute for the country and its developments thus they will also be remembered.

He said he wants to see an action-oriented clean Bangladesh with the proper contribution of young population of the country.

The former president of India laid emphasis on ‘energy independence’ saying it means solar energy, wind energy and hydro energy.

Responding to a question on nuclear threat Abdul Kalam said, “I personally believe nuclear is not a good thing. Anywhere you use nuclear system, you’re not damaging whole area, you’re damaging whole set of human development.”

Abdul Kalam said he personally believes the total world has got 10,000 nuclear warheads — 5000 USA and 5000 Russia and the reaming 1000 in other nations.

“Now the time has come that the nations who got 10,000 nuclear warheads, they should go for total disbarment. They must destroy…recently both the Russian President and the American President signed an agreement and they will revoke 30 percent of warheads by 2025. This is a good sign,” he added.

He said other nations like India and Pakistan should also work for a nuclear free world.

Responding to another question, he said he wants to see billions of smiles in billions of people.

Ministers, former Ministers, leading business leaders and media personalities were present at the event.

Abdul Kalam will deliver a keynote speech at another function to be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) on Saturday.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith will be preset as the chief guest at the function.

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Chairman of the organising committee and MCCI Vice President Anis A Khan will also speak at the function.

A gala evening will also be held on the day marking 110 years of its service.