The Russian House in Dhaka staged a large-scale cultural celebration marking Russia Day, bringing together members of the Russian and Bangladeshi communities, students, alumni, cultural figures and friends of Russia.

The event drew Russian and Bangladeshi community members, students, alumni of Soviet universities and cultural figures to a programme that blended traditional Tatar and Russian folk performances with Bengali dance.

Vyacheslav Sentyurin, minister-counsellor of the Russian embassy in Bangladesh, highlighted the friendship between the two countries, emphasising that cultural and humanitarian cooperation plays a central role in further developing bilateral relations.

Alexandra Khlevnoy, director of the Russian House in Dhaka, opened the gathering with remarks on the historical significance of Russia Day, the cultural diversity of the Russian Federation and the importance of international cultural dialogue.

The programme included a multimedia presentation introducing modern Russia and showcasing the country’s natural heritage, scientific and technological achievements, and cultural traditions.

The centrepiece was a concert by the Folk Song and Dance Ensemble “Alabuga” from the Yelabuga College of Culture and Arts in the Republic of Tatarstan. The troupe performed Russian and Tatar folk songs, instrumental compositions and choreographed works, with Razil Gabbasov demonstrating traditional folk instruments and Dilyara Mirovaeva, an Honoured Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan, among the performers.

A children’s dance group called “Happiness,” composed of children of Bangladeshi graduates of Soviet universities, performed traditional Bengali dances, which organisers said symbolised strong people-to-people ties between Russia and Bangladesh. Members of the Russian compatriot community in Bangladesh also recited the song-poem “I Gaze at the Blue Lakes” and performed a dance to the traditional Russian song “Korobeiniki.”

The programme included a segment dedicated to the Republic of Tatarstan and the city of Kazan, which organisers described as one of Russia’s leading educational and cultural centres.

Guests visited two exhibitions — “Multicultural Russia,” on the diversity of peoples and traditions of the Russian Federation, and “Pristine Russia,” showcasing natural landscapes and wildlife.

The cultural fair offered matryoshka painting workshops, a Russian-themed photo zone, souvenir displays, traditional refreshments and a range of interactive cultural activities.