Russian House in Dhaka has organized several events to mark the 223rd birth anniversary of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and Russian Language Day.
The programs started with a wreath-laying ceremony on Pushkin’s bust at Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the University of Dhaka, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
DU Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman was the chief guest. Members of the compatriots association “Rodina”, students of language courses at Russian House, students of Dhaka University and media representatives were also present.
Russian House in Dhaka Director Maxim Dobrokhotov and the Dhaka University VC discussed the life and works of Alexander Pushkin, said to be the greatest Russian poet of all time and father of the modern Russian language, and his influence on Bangla literature.
After the discussion, Dr Mamtaz Rahman and Sayeda Jolly of the Soviet Alumni Association, Bangladesh (SAAB) recited Pushkin’s poems in Russian and Bangla.
A grand celebration was organized at Ranada Prasad Saha University (RPSU) in Narayanganj as well, presided over by RPSU VC Dr Manindra Kumar Roy.
The director of Russian House in Dhaka welcomed all the guests highlighting how the whole world celebrated Pushkin’s birth anniversary and Russian Language Day at the same time.
Ekaterina Semenova, minister-counselor of the Russian Embassy in Dhaka, noted Pushkin’s contribution to the development of Russian and world literature, thanking Bangladesh for its careful attitude towards Pushkin’s heritage.
RPSU Chairman Rajiv Prasad Saha was present as the chief guest, and Zaheed Reza Noor, deputy editor of Ajker Patrika, and a Philology Faculty graduate from Kuban State University (Krasnodar), discussed Alexander Pushkin’s literary works.
Members of Rodina and SAAB performed short plays, poems and songs in Russian and Bangla, followed by a cultural program. A video presentation on Pushkin’s life was also shown.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy hosted a webinar on the occasion titled “World Literary Tour - Russian Literature”.
The keynote speaker was the prominent poet and writer Dr Masuduzzaman.
Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the discussion.
