Between Power and Principle | BOBC 2026

How can leaders rebuild trust and pursue reconciliation in a fragmented world? In the Bay of Bengal Lecture at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, Boris Tadić draws on his experience as President of Serbia to examine leadership, democratic transition and the challenges of reconciliation in the Balkans. The lecture explores how accountability, public acknowledgement of past suffering and shared economic interests can help divided societies build lasting peace. It also considers Bangladesh’s growing regional importance and the role of political dialogue and younger generations in shaping democratic futures. Chapters 00:00 Opening remarks: trust and leadership in a fragmented world 01:30 Shifting global power and Bangladesh’s growing importance 03:31 Conflict, sovereignty and the erosion of international rules 07:18 The need for a new kind of leadership 09:05 Lessons from Serbia and reconciliation in the Balkans 12:02 Accountability, public apologies and shared economic interests 14:12 Fragile peace and the risks of renewed division 16:02 Regional integration and sustaining reconciliation 19:13 Bangladesh’s role in Bay of Bengal stability 21:57 Serbia’s student movement and the next generation’s responsibilities Speaker Boris Tadić, Former President, Republic of Serbia Date: 4 October 2026 Venue: Grand Ballroom, Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh Organiser: Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) About CGS The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) is an independent, non-profit think tank in Bangladesh working to strengthen governance and support democratic development through research and dialogue. Connect with CGS Website: https://cgs-bd.com/ Facebook:   / cgs.org   Instagram:   / centreforgovernancestudiesbd   LinkedIn:   / centerforgovernancestudies   X: https://x.com/CGSbangladesh © 2026 Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). All rights reserved. #BoBC2026 #BayOfBengalConversation #Statecraft