A Russian Navy squadron from its Pacific Fleet arrived in Chittagong on Sunday for the first time in 50 years on a friendly visit.
The Russian embassy in Dhaka termed it a "huge milestone" in Russia-Bangladesh relations.
"The last time Russian/Soviet naval ships visited Bangladesh was 50 years ago," the embassy said.
Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy visited the ship anchored at Chittagong port.
The visit came amid Bangladesh's political tensions with the United States over its general election.
Bangladesh and Russia share historical ties.
The then-Soviet Union played a key role in Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971.
The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise could not make its way to the Bay of Bengal due to the presence of Pacific Fleet warships during the war.
After the liberation, the Soviet Union also extended support in reviving Bangladesh’s economy by a mine-sweeping operation at Chittagong port.
That was the last visit of the Russian Navy to Bangladesh.
The Russian state news agency TASS says the Pacific Fleet’s naval group comprises large anti-submarine warfare ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Panteleyev and the oceanic tanker Pechenga.
Ambassador Mantytskiy recalled the historic visit of the Russian Navy 50 years ago.
“At that time, the group of Russian naval ships came here actually to save the young country that gained its independence in 1971 from a humanitarian catastrophe. After the war of independence, the port’s waters were mined and also tens of vessels were sunk there.
“The Bangladeshi authorities turned to various countries with a request to help resolve the problem. Some of them agreed but for a large sum of money, which the republic lacked. It was only the Soviet Union that agreed to provide support for humanitarian reasons,” the ambassador was quoted as saying.
Bangladesh, US political tensions
The Russian ship’s visit came amid political tension between the government and the US ahead of the general election scheduled for January.
The US declared visa policy to, Washington says, ensure a free and fair election.
The ruling Awami League has accused the Biden administration of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal political process.
Russia and China have issued statements and also called it US interference in Bangladesh’s internal issues.
The US has also criticized the government for its action against the opposition BNP, which has been holding protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina step down and the election be held under an interim government.
The ruling party has rejected such demands and said the election will be held following the constitution.
