DHAKA : The Russian House in Dhaka hosted a large-scale
cultural celebration marking Russia Day, bringing together representatives of
the Russian and Bangladeshi communities, students, alumni, cultural figures,
and friends of Russia.
The event opened with remarks by Alexandra Khlevnoy,
Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, who spoke about the historical
significance of Russia Day, the cultural diversity of the Russian Federation,
and the importance of international cultural dialogue in strengthening mutual
understanding between nations.
The audience was also addressed by Vyacheslav
Sentyurin, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in
Bangladesh, who highlighted the longstanding friendship between Russia and
Bangladesh and emphasized the role of cultural and humanitarian cooperation in
further developing bilateral relations.
The official program included a multimedia presentation
introducing modern Russia, showcasing the country’s natural heritage,
scientific and technological achievements, and cultural traditions.
The central part of the celebration was a concert
performed by the *Folk Song and Dance Ensemble “Alabuga” of the Yelabuga
College of Culture and Arts (Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation) *.
Through a diverse repertoire of Russian and Tatar folk songs, instrumental
compositions, and choreographic performances, the ensemble presented the rich
cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia.
The concert featured performances by renowned musicians,
including Razil Gabbasov, who demonstrated traditional folk instruments, and Dilyara
Mirovaeva, Honored Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The cultural exchange component of the event was enriched
by performances from “Happiness,” a children’s dance group composed of
children of Bangladeshi graduates of Soviet universities. Their presentation of
traditional Bengali dances symbolized the strong people-to-people ties that
have connected Russia and Bangladesh for decades.
Representatives of the Russian compatriot community in
Bangladesh also participated in the program, presenting a recital of the
song-poem “I Gaze at the Blue Lakes” and a dance performance to the traditional
Russian song “Korobeiniki.”
A special segment of the program was dedicated to the
Republic of Tatarstan, introducing guests to its cultural traditions and to
Kazan, one of Russia’s leading educational and cultural centers.
Following the concert, guests participated in a Russia Day
cultural fair and visited two exhibitions. The exhibition “Multicultural
Russia” introduced visitors to the diverse peoples and traditions of the
Russian Federation, while “Pristine Russia” showcased the country’s unique natural
landscapes and wildlife.
The fair also featured matryoshka painting workshops, a
Russian-themed photo zone, souvenir displays, traditional refreshments, and a
range of interactive cultural activities.
The celebration demonstrated the growing interest in Russian culture in Bangladesh and reaffirmed the importance of cultural cooperation as a foundation for strengthening the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
