Yuri Gagarin Bust Unveiled in Dhaka

Dhaka, April 12, 2026 — The National Museum of Science and Technology (NMST) in Dhaka has unveiled a bust of Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into space. The ceremony marked the 65th anniversary of his historic flight and coincided with the International Day of Human Space Flight, underscoring both cultural celebration and diplomatic cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia.

The event was organized through the collaboration of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the Russian Society of Friendship with Bangladesh, and the Russian House in Dhaka, alongside NMST. In her opening remarks, Alexandra Khlevnoy, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, described space exploration as a bridge that connects people regardless of geography or language, emphasizing that the monument stands as a permanent symbol of friendship between the two nations. Ambassador 

Alexander Khozin reflected on Gagarin’s courage and the global impact of his mission, noting that his flight was an achievement for all mankind. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would one day send its own astronaut into space, echoing Gagarin’s famous call, “Let’s go!

Sattar Mia, President of the Russian Society of Friendship with Bangladesh and sponsor of the bust, highlighted the monument as a symbol of growing collaboration in science and education. This sentiment was reinforced by Munira Sultana, Director General of NMST, and Moshurul Amin, President of the Bangladesh Astronomical Association, who emphasized the inspirational value of the exhibit for the country’s youth. Adding a personal perspective, A. Laheri, a Bangladeshi student awarded a Russian Government scholarship to study Astronomy, shared her vision of contributing to Bangladesh’s scientific future through Russian educational excellence.

The unveiling was followed by a cultural program featuring scientific reports, English poetry recitals, and a performance of “Trava u Doma,” the anthem of Russian cosmonauts. Students of the Russian Embassy School led the program, which also included an art exhibition of space-themed drawings by Russian and Bangladeshi children, the distribution of commemorative “ForeverFirst” T-shirts and souvenir gift bags, and a screening of short films from the Tsiolkovsky International Space Film Festival.

The installation of the Yuri Gagarin bust at NMST stands as a new landmark in Dhaka, symbolizing the shared aspirations of Russia and Bangladesh in science, education, and cultural exchange. It serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of Bangladeshi scientists, pilots, and dreamers to look toward the stars, while reinforcing the diplomatic partnership between the two nations.

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Russian House in Dhaka Launches Gagarin Science Festival 2026

Dhaka, April 10, 2026 — The Russian House in Dhaka has inaugurated the Gagarin Science Festival 2026, commemorating the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight. The week-long festival, organized in partnership with the Bangladesh Astronomical Association, aims to inspire scientific curiosity and innovation among young people.

Opening the event, Alexandra Khlevnoy, Head of the Russian House in Dhaka, underscored the global significance of Gagarin’s flight on April 12, 1961, which marked the dawn of the space age. She emphasized that Gagarin’s legacy continues to encourage courage, curiosity, and scientific ambition in new generations. Khlevnoy also highlighted the strong educational and cultural ties between Russia and Bangladesh, citing ongoing cooperation such as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project and the contributions of more than 6,000 Bangladeshi graduates from Russian and Soviet universities. She encouraged students to pursue studies in science and astronomy, noting opportunities available through Russian universities.

The festival’s opening day featured a diverse program: the inauguration of the photography exhibition “Yuri Gagarin – First Human in Space” and a scientist sculpture exhibition; screenings from the VII International Film Festival Tsiolkovsky, including the documentary “Gagarin. Embracing the World” and the animated series “The Flying Story”; a seminar on Albert Einstein by Arif Asgar; and a quiz competition for school students.  

Chairman of the Bangladesh Astronomical Association, Moshurl Amin, paid tribute to Gagarin, describing him as a “world hero” and a symbol of human courage and exploration. Certificates were distributed to participants, and the day concluded with a telescope-based sky observation session.

The photography and sculpture exhibitions will remain open to the public until April 16, 2026, offering visitors a chance to engage with the legacy of Yuri Gagarin and the spirit of scientific discovery.

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Musical Evening at North South University Strengthens Bangladesh–Russia Cultural Ties

Dhaka, April 9, 2026 — North South University hosted a vibrant musical evening on its campus, jointly organized by the Russian House in Dhaka, the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and the university itself. The event, held in celebration of Bangladesh’s Independence Day and Russia’s “Year of National Unity,” brought together more than 800 students and faculty members, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange and artistic harmony.

The evening opened with remarks from Alexandra Khlevnaya, Head of the Russian House in Dhaka. In her address, she highlighted opportunities for higher education in Russia, particularly the government scholarship quota program, and emphasized the academic prospects available to Bangladeshi students. Khlevnaya also underscored the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Russia, dating back to the time of Bangladesh’s independence, and stressed the importance of future cooperation in education and culture.

Following the formal session, audiences were captivated by the performances of The Dhaka Melodia Project. The repertoire included:  

- Dmitri Shostakovich — Waltz No. 2 (from Suite for Variety Orchestra)  

- Sergei Rachmaninoff — Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14  

- Russian folk songs: Korobeiniki (The Peddlers) and Kalinka  

- Alexey Kozlov & Arsenal — Nostalgia  

- Additional selections from jazz, funk, and soul traditions  

The fusion of classical heritage with modern genres offered attendees a memorable experience, symbolizing the enduring power of cultural diplomacy. Students and faculty alike described the evening as not only entertaining but also a meaningful celebration of Bangladesh–Russia relations. 

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Thailand–Bangladesh Strengthen Development Cooperation

Dhaka, 2 April 2026 — The Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, H.E. Mrs. Thitiporn Chirasawadi, paid a courtesy call on Ms. Mirana Mahrukh, Wing Chief (Asia, JEC and F&F Wing) of the Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance.  

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s ongoing development cooperation with external partners. They discussed avenues to further enhance collaboration, particularly in technical cooperation and human resource development.  

The discussions highlighted the role of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) in supporting capacity-building programmes, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to Bangladesh’s development journey.  

🇹🇭 🤝 🇧🇩  

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Bangladesh’s 55th Independence Anniversary Celebrated at Russian House in Dhaka

Dhaka, March 31, 2026 — With due honor and deep reverence, the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence was celebrated at the Russian House in Dhaka, organized in collaboration with the Liberation War Academy Trust. The program began with one minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the Liberation War.  

Special tribute was paid to the Soviet Navy for its historic role in clearing mines from the ports of Chittagong and Mongla, a contribution that proved vital in Bangladesh’s reconstruction after independence.  

Speeches

In her remarks, Alexandra A. Khlevnoy, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Russia. She recalled the crucial support of the Soviet Union during the Liberation War and emphasized its continued contributions to Bangladesh’s development in the post-independence era. She also spoke about various initiatives undertaken by the institution to strengthen cooperation in education, science, and cultural exchange.  

Dr. Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, along with representatives of freedom fighters from different districts, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Soviet Union’s assistance during the war and in the subsequent rebuilding of the nation. They reaffirmed the importance of this historic partnership.  

Honoring Freedom Fighters

At the event, 20 valiant freedom fighters and two distinguished individuals were honored. In a gesture of respect for Russian martyrs, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad presented Ms. Khlevnoy with a commemorative gift.  

New Initiative

The ceremony also marked the official launch of the Bangladesh–Russia Friends Association Federation, inaugurated by Ms. Khlevnoy. The newly formed federation has already united 20 organizations from across Bangladesh, with the aim of further strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two nations. 

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Bangladesh’s 55th Independence Anniversary Celebrated in Moscow

A grand event was held in Moscow, Russia, to mark the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence. The programme took place on March 26 at the Cultural Center of the Main Directorate for the Diplomatic Corps of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 150 guests in attendance.

The event was jointly organized by the Russian Association of International Cooperation (RAMS) and the Russian Friendship Society with Bangladesh. Diplomats, government representatives, students, and journalists from both countries were present.

A welcome message from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was read out at the event. RAMS Chairman Sergey Kalashnikov and the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, A. G. Khozin, also addressed the gathering.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Russia, Md. Nazrul Islam, highlighted the Soviet Union’s support in the post-independence period and emphasized the importance of current bilateral cooperation.

Mia Sattar, President of the Russian Friendship Society with Bangladesh, spoke about various initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations. He noted that people-to-people diplomacy can further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The programme also featured cultural performances and an art exhibition. Organizers expressed hope that such initiatives would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Russia.

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French Ambassador Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet paid a courtesy visit to Minister for Home Affairs Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed

📰 The Diplomacy Express | Dhaka–Paris Desk  

March 29, 2026  

In a gesture of diplomatic goodwill, H.E. Mr. Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed, Minister for Home Affairs of Bangladesh.  

🇫🇷🤝🇧🇩 The meeting provided an opportunity to review current events, discuss the path of reforms envisioned by the Bangladeshi administration, and explore avenues for cooperation between France and Bangladesh in areas contributing to internal security and the promotion of the rule of law.  

Ambassador Séré‑Charlet reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts in public administration modernization, law enforcement capacity building, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance.  

Both sides expressed optimism about expanding collaboration under the framework of France Diplomatie, emphasizing shared values of peace, justice, and international cooperation.  

🕊️ This meeting marks another step forward in the deepening partnership between Paris and Dhaka — a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared vision for a secure and just world.  

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