State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury spoke at the unveiling ceremony and publication festival of books at Jatiya Press Club today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 9, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury today called for presenting the accurate history of Bangladesh's independence and democracy to the next generation.

He said it is very important to inform children about those whose contributions and sacrifices helped achieve today's independent Bangladesh and democracy.

The state minister made the remarks while speaking at the unveiling ceremony and publication festival of two books 'Shaheed Zia Golpo Shono' and 'Chhotoder Priyo Khaleda Zia', written by writer-journalist Sabrina Shuvra, at Jatiya Press Club here this morning. 

The event was organised by publication company 'Dashmik'.

Speaking as the chief guest, Yasser Khan said it is very important to inform the next generation about the real history of Bangladesh.

He said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working to present the real history and the ministry is always ready to provide all-out cooperation in such initiatives.

The state minister said it is necessary to publish English translations of such books for Bangladeshi children and adolescents living abroad, so that they can also easily learn about the history of the country and the contributions of the leaders who sacrificed.

He said: "If Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had not declared the independence that day saying 'I revolt', perhaps we would not have an independent country today."

Similarly, he said Deshnetri, late Begum Khaleda Zia, risked her life to protect and restore democracy.
 
"If we do not present their contribution to the new generation, it may be lost in the evolution of time," he said.

"We have to protect this democracy and voting rights achieved through the student-people revolution on August 5, 2024, in the continuation of the long 17-year movement and struggle led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman," Yasser Khan said.

He called upon people from all walks of life to be vocal so that fascism does not return again in the country.

Lawmakers Selimuzzaman Selim, SM Jilani, KM Babar and Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu spoke as special guests at the event with 'Dashmik' proprietor Dipanta Raihan in the chair.

Rabindra University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tahmina Akthar and journalist and novelist Ehsan Mahmud spoke as discussants at the event.
 
Writer Kalam Faraiji, author of the two books and journalist Sabrina Shuvra, poet Mintu Haque, Dhaka University Chhatra Dal president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and Touhidur Rahman Awal also spoke.

The speakers termed the writer's initiative to narrate the life stories and political history of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia in a children-friendly manner as highly commendable and time-befitting.