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.
