A total of 240 historians from home and abroad gathered here to participate in the 38th conference of the Parishad where 70 thesis papers on historical facts are to be presented.

Addressing the inaugural session, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz asked the historians to write the true history of the country upholding the nation's rich heritage and culture.

"History is the reflection of the national life. We have to learn our own history to place ourselves in the assembly of the civilised nations," he added.

Faiz said the historians should write true history on the basis of objective information and sense of responsibility.

Former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Zillur Rahman Siddique delivered speech as president of the conference.

He said there is a clear difference between Bengali history and the history of Bangladesh after 1971 in the historical arena.

President of Bangladesh Itihas Parisad Dr Nazim Uddin Ahmed said the duty of archaeology department is to collect and preserve the archaeological valuables, which are raw materials of history. But it is now a stagnant organisation.

On the occasion, Dr Badiuzzaman was awarded 'Bangladesh Itihas Parisad Award 2006' for his research book- 'Muslim Sthapotter Motive O Shilporup'.

Vice-Chancellor of National University Wakil Ahmed, Doctor Enamul Huq and National Professor Sufia Ahmed were also present at the inaugural ceremony.