Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that those entrusted with running the state and society must be guided by the lessons of history.

He cautioned that any departure from a people-centered approach could lead to consequences similar to those faced by the previous regime.

“The government must learn from history,” he said.

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

Referring to the political developments of 2024, he said that understanding the reasons behind the fall of the autocratic regime on August 5 is crucial.

“Those elected to lead the state and society must learn from these lessons and move forward accordingly,” he added.

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

Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M Amanul Haque, Consul General in Istanbul Mizanur Rahman and members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Turkey were present at the programme.

Earlier, Swapan was welcomed with flowers upon his arrival at the consulate.

He traveled to Turkey on Thursday afternoon at the invitation of Turkish government to attend the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom) 2026.

The two-day summit is being held on March 27 and 28 at Conrad Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul.

The minister is expected to return home on March 30.