President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed yesterday called upon the scholars and academicians to dedicate themselves for welfare of the common people of the country, reports BSS.

"Your research and scholarly works must pertain to the overall goodness and well-being of the people," said the President while inaugurating the seventh biennial general meeting of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (ASB) in the city yesterday morning as the chief guest.

President Justice Shahabuddin, who is also the chief patron of ASB, said, "The dream of our Liberation was to build a modern and prosperous Bangladesh free from hunger, poverty, illiteracy and exploitation. But it is a pity that the goal was not realised." He added, a nation with illiteracy, hunger and poverty cannot stand upright and enhance its sense of honour and self-respect.

Chaired by ASB president Prof Wakil Ahmed, the inaugural session was also address by ASB general Secretary Prof Akmal Hussain and Dr Najma Khan Majlis.

Drawing the attention of intellectuals, President said, "You the scholars, academicians and professors have to conduct your research works keeping eyes to the overall circumstances of the country."

He said, he government encourages education at all levels and promotes academic, cultural and intellectual pursuit in the country upholding its tradition and heritage.

As a worthy nation we have to face the challenge of the 21st century by exploiting our human resources, scientific and technological know-how the President said and adding "We cannot prosper without the development of our thoughts and potentialities."

President Shahabuddin said the ASB can play an important role in the development of a democratic, politically and economically sound society.

He assured the government's continued help and cooperation in the research activities of ASB.

President Shahabuddin was presented with a set of recent publications of the ASB by its president Prof Wakil Ahmed.

The President distributed the award of the National Professor Atwar Husain Gold Medal to Dr Sonia Nishat Amin.

Former head of the caretaker government Justice Habibur Rahman, former ministers, prominent scholars, academicians and a diplomats were present.