Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke as the chief guest at a programme held at the Bangladesh Consulate in Istanbul, marking the Independence and National Day. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said those elected by the people to run the state and society must be guided by the lessons of history.

"Any deviation from a people-centric mindset would lead to consequences similar to those faced by the previous fallen regime. The government must learn from history," he said.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme held at the Bangladesh Consulate in Istanbul, marking the Independence and National Day, a press release from the ministry said. 

Referring to the context of 2024, he said, "If we understand the causes and lessons of the fall of the autocratic regime on August 5, 2024, those elected to lead the state and society must learn from it and move forward guided by these lessons of history."

At the event, the minister paid rich tribute to the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M Amanul Haque, Bangladesh Consul General in Istanbul Mizanur Rahman, and expatriate Bangladeshis in Turkey were present at the programme, among others.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the consulate, Zahir Uddin Swapon was welcomed with flowers.

The minister travelled to Turkey on Thursday afternoon at the invitation of the Turkish government to attend the 'International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom) 2026.'

The two-day conference will be held on March 27 and 28 at the Conrad Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul.

He is expected to return home on March 30.