- Global Press Freedom Hits Lowest Level in 25 Years |
- Two Tough Years Ahead As Govt Pushes Economic Fix |
- OPEC faces mounting pressure as officials meet in Vienna |
- Locked in poverty and riverbank erosion: The reality of Kurigram |
- DC conference 2026: 498 proposals set for policy review |
Russian Ambassador meets JS Speaker
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today.
During the meeting, the Speaker described Bangladesh and Russia as genuine friends, recalling Russia’s significant role during the Great Liberation War in 1971.
He noted that the then Soviet government set a unique example of friendship by casting vetoes at the United Nations in favour of Bangladesh and against Pakistan, said a press release.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad also highlighted that, in the post-war period, the Soviet Union assisted Bangladesh in clearing mines from Chattogram Port, enabling its quick resumption of operations.
In the process, a young Soviet citizen lost his life. The Speaker said Bangladesh gratefully remembers Russia’s contributions.
Referring to the 13th parliamentary elections, the Speaker said that Russia, along with other countries, sent observer teams, contributing to international acceptance of the elections as free and fair.
He added that democracy had been undermined during the 16-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, and that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia made significant sacrifices for restoring democracy, earning her widespread popularity as a national leader.
The two sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in education, export of skilled manpower, energy, and artificial intelligence.
They also discussed the situation of Bangladeshi nationals affected and stranded due to the Russia-Ukraine war and possible solutions to the crisis.
The Russian Ambassador said the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, being implemented jointly by Bangladesh and Russia, will initially supply electricity to the national grid gradually due to reactor-related processes.
He expressed hope that by 2027, the plant will contribute around 40 percent of its total generation capacity to the grid.
Ambassador Khozin congratulated the Speaker on his election to the post. The Speaker emphasized the importance of renewing the existing parliamentary friendship group with Russia and enhancing exchange visits between parliamentary delegations.
Members of the Russian Embassy delegation and senior officials of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting, reports BSS.