International Bangladesh Studies Conference was held at Istanbul Ticaret University in Turkey. Photo: CPSR

Dhaka, April 21, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at the first-ever international Bangladesh Studies Conference held at Istanbul Ticaret University in Turkey emphasized that the future of Bangladesh would be shaped by the ideals and democratic awakening inspired by the July Revolution.

The two-day conference organized by the Turkey-based Center for Policy and Social Research (CPSR) brought academics, researchers and policymakers from across the world together, according to a press release received here today.

Speakers at the conference emphasized the need to uphold the continuity of the struggle and carry forward its legacy to build a unified, progressive and exploitation-free Bangladesh.

Former advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prof. Dr. Yasin Aktay; editor of Amar Desh, Dr. Mahmudur Rahman and Professor of Economics at the University of New Orleans Dr. Kabir Hassan spoke at the conference, among others.  

Prof. Dr. Aktay emphasized the deepening ties between Turkey and Bangladesh, stating, “Turkey will always stand beside Bangladesh as a brotherly nation in its journey towards a new and democratic future.”

Amar Desh Editor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman said, “The core political philosophy of the July Revolution was to free Bangladesh from Indian hegemony. This principle will be the cornerstone for rebuilding the nation.”

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ankara, M. Amanul Haq, also highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations in both economic and defense sectors following the revolution.

CPSR President Dr. Hafizur Rahman stated, “This conference, centered the July Revolution, will play a significant role in shaping Bangladesh 2.0.”

In the concluding session, speakers expressed hope for the successful formation of Bangladesh 2.0, stating that the conference was not merely an academic gathering, but a launching point for a new national vision.

The conference featured 125 research paper presentations across 26 panels, covering themes such as policymaking in post-revolution Bangladesh, institutional and constitutional reforms, inclusive development models, and sectoral challenges.

The event was co-hosted by CPSR Executive Director Dr. A.S.M. Mahmudul Hasan and researcher Makame Mahmud.

Other prominent speakers included Turkish MP Dogan Bekin, former Swedish minister Mehmet Kaplan, Istanbul Ticaret University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Nejip Simsek, Jahangirnagar University (JU) VC Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Noakhali University of Science and Technology VC Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ismail, Bangladesh Medical University VC Prof. Dr. Shahinul Alam, Rangamati University of Science and Technology VC Prof. Dr. Atiar Rahman, US Council for Muslim Organizations Secretary-General Osama Jamal, ISAM Director Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Hüsnü Koylu and Istanbul University’s Prof. Dr. Osman Akgül.