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.