DHAKA : The Soviet Alumni Association of Bangladesh (SAAB)
organised a vibrant cultural evening at the Russian House in Dhaka, bringing
together Bangladeshi graduates of universities in the former Soviet Union and
the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to celebrate their shared
educational heritage and the enduring cultural connections between Bangladesh
and Russia.
The evening featured poetry, music and classical dance,
creating a rich blend of Bangladeshi and Russian cultural traditions. The
programme highlighted the longstanding people-to-people ties that have
developed through generations of Bangladeshi students who pursued higher
education in the Soviet Union and Russia.
Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of the Russian
Federation to Bangladesh described the alumni as a “unique and living bridge of
friendship” between Dhaka and Moscow. He highlighted their significant
contributions to the socio-economic, industrial and scientific development of
Bangladesh, as well as their important role in strengthening bilateral
relations between the two countries.
Chief Guest Zahir Uddin Swapan, MP, Adviser to the Prime
Minister of Bangladesh (Minister), praised the contribution of SAAB to the
development of Bangladesh. He noted that Bangladeshi graduates of Soviet,
Russian and CIS universities have made important contributions across a wide
range of fields, including engineering, medicine, education, agriculture,
science, public administration and industry, through their knowledge, expertise
and leadership.
The Director of the Russian House in Dhaka fondly recalled
the courage of Bangladeshi students of the 1970s and 1980s who travelled to the
distant Soviet Union in pursuit of higher education. She observed that their
professional achievements in Bangladesh stand as a testament to the quality of
higher education they received in the Soviet Union and Russia, describing the
alumni as “ambassadors of friendship and culture” between the two countries.
The colourful cultural programme included a recitation of
Alexander Pushkin’s world-famous poem “I Loved You” (Я васлюбил), Bharatanatyam
and Manipuri dance performances, captivating Bangla songs, and a special
rendition of the timeless Russian song “Moscow Nights” (Подмосковныевечера)
performed by renowned artist and SAAB member Timir Nandi.
The main cultural programme concluded with a collective rendition of “We Shall Overcome” (Amra Korbo Joy) by the invited artists and guests. The memorable evening concluded with a fellowship dinner and group photographs, celebrating the enduring educational, cultural and people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and Russia.
