Russian House in Dhaka in collaboration with Liberation War Academy Trust has recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Russia.
The organizations organized a dignified program and a photo exhibition to mark the friendship between the two nations, said a press release.
Russian House in Dhaka Director Maxim Dobrokhotov in his welcoming words congratulated the people in Bangladesh and discussed the importance of people’s diplomacy in improving mutual understanding.
Minister of Science and Technology Yeafesh Osman presided over the event as the chief guest.
He said: “The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was an absolute friend in the history of our Liberation War and without them Bangladesh's victory was unimaginable. Soviet people not only contributed to the war, but also helped to rebuild the war-torn Bangladesh. They helped demining the country’s two main ports, setting up power plants, providing food and medical care. Russia is still cooperating as a true friend in the ongoing development of Bangladesh. “
“Rosatom State Corporation is also making significant contributions to the development of the energy sector in Bangladesh. It is taking part in the implementation of the largest joint venture project - the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Pabna, which is financed by a Russian state loan,” he added.
On behalf of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister later conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Russian people and government on the occasion of the glorious 50 years.
Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh Ekaterina A Semenova in her speech also put focus on strengthening the bilateral relations between both countries.
Chairman of Dhaka WASA Board and Soviet graduate Ghulam Mostofa said, upon request of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujubur Rahman, the then Soviet government provided scholarships to many Bangladeshi students to build skilled citizens in the reconstruction of post-war Bangladesh.
“Now, they are employed in almost all spheres of economic and social life of their country and hold high positions in government agencies, private companies and cultural organizations.”
Former chief Information commissioner Azizur Rahman Aziz, former Ministry of Industries additional secretaries Sheikh Rafaz Ahmed and Dr Abul Kalam Azad, and chairman of Liberation War Academy Trust also were present at the event.
