Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Friday called for a collective national effort to guide Bangladesh towards a peaceful and prosperous future, drawing lessons from history and the recent student-public movements that have captured the country’s attention.
Speaking at the inauguration of two-day 14th Biennial International History Conference and General Meeting of Bangladesh Itihas Parishad, held at Dhaka University, the Chief Justice said, “A rare and golden opportunity has emerged to reshape our country by learning from past mistakes. If the hopes and aspirations of the people in this new Bangladesh are not realised, we risk falling behind as a nation.”
The Chief Justice also emphasised the importance of restoring public trust in judiciary, noting that a roadmap for judicial reforms has already been announced and is currently being implemented. “Litigants and stakeholders have begun experiencing benefits of these reforms,” he added.
He highlighted recent steps taken under reform initiative, including the enactment of an ordinance for appointing High Court judges and transparent appointments to the Appellate Division through Supreme Judicial Appointment Council.
Underscoring the relevance of history, Justice Ahmed said, “The past consciousness, achievements, and sacrifices of a nation are recorded in its history. It serves both as a guide and an inspiration for the future.”
He further noted that history should not be viewed as confined to textbooks but preserved and celebrated through museums, artifacts, documents, architecture, and public memory. “It is not only historians but all citizens who have a responsibility to protect and honour our historical legacy,” he said.
The conference was inaugurated by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan. Prof Mohammad Ibrahim, President of the Bangladesh Itihas Parishad, presided over the event. Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, attended as a special guest.
Bangla Academy President Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque delivered the keynote speech, while Prof Dr Abdul Bashir, General Secretary of the Parishad, offered the welcome address.
As part of the event, three authors received the Bangladesh Itihas Parishad Book Award for publishing the best history books in Bengali calendar years 1430 and 1431.
Over the two-day conference, nearly 100 research papers will be presented by university academics and scholars across 18 sessions, offering in-depth insights into the nation’s historical development.
