Cultural centre offers support for press conferences, photo exhibitions and recognition as more Bangladeshi climbers eye Russian mountains
The Russian House in Dhaka has announced plans to recognise and honour Bangladeshi mountaineers who successfully climb mountains in Russia while carrying the national flag of Bangladesh to their summits.
The cultural centre will also explore ways to support their contributions to society by providing platforms to showcase their achievements and experiences.
Proshanta Kumar Barman, head of cultural programmes at the Russian House in Dhaka, told The Shuttle Times that the organisation would initially offer support through press conferences, exhibition venues and recognition programmes for successful climbers.
He said the initiative was aimed at encouraging Bangladeshi mountaineers and highlighting their achievements in international mountaineering.
Citing the example of Bangladeshi mountaineer Ikramul Hasan Shakil, who successfully scaled Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russia and Europe, Proshanta said the Russian House had recognised his achievement by organising a press conference and providing venues for his photography exhibitions.
He said the Russian House was interested in extending similar support to other Bangladeshi climbers who successfully summit Russian mountains.
“If any Bangladeshi mountaineer wants to climb a mountain in Russia, we can guide them and provide the necessary information. However, they must obtain the required permissions from the Russian government and the embassy,” he said.
He added that the Russian House could help interested climbers understand the available opportunities and relevant procedures.
Growing interest among Bangladeshi climbers
Sadia Sultana, secretary of the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC), said many Bangladeshi mountaineers were interested in travelling to Russia to explore its mountain ranges.
She said climbing Russian peaks could offer valuable international experience and help Bangladeshi mountaineers strengthen their achievements in the field.
Russia has several prominent mountain ranges and challenging peaks that attract climbers from around the world.
Mount Elbrus, standing at 5,642 metres, is the highest peak in Russia and Europe and is among the major destinations for mountaineers seeking to expand their international climbing experience.
The proposed support from the Russian House could provide Bangladeshi climbers with greater access to information, institutional guidance and opportunities to showcase their achievements.
It could also strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and Russia through mountaineering, adventure tourism and sporting exchanges.
