SAAB alumni celebrate Bangladesh-Russia cultural ties in Dhaka
DHAKA, September 11, 2026 — Bangladeshi graduates of universities in the former Soviet Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have reaffirmed the enduring educational, cultural and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Russia at a cultural evening held at the Russian House in Dhaka.
The Soviet Alumni Association of Bangladesh (SAAB) organised the event, bringing together alumni, diplomats, artists and distinguished guests to celebrate a shared educational heritage and the contribution of Soviet, Russian and CIS-educated Bangladeshis to the country's development.
The programme featured poetry, music and classical dance performances, reflecting both Bangladeshi and Russian cultural traditions.
Addressing the gathering, the Russian ambassador to Bangladesh described the alumni as a “unique and living bridge of friendship” between Dhaka and Moscow.
He said Bangladeshi graduates of Soviet and Russian universities have made significant contributions to the country's socio-economic, industrial and scientific development while also playing an important role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Chief guest Zahir Uddin Swapan, MP, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Minister), praised SAAB's contribution to Bangladesh's development.
He said graduates of universities in the former Soviet Union, Russia and CIS countries have contributed to various sectors, including engineering, medicine, education, agriculture, science, public administration and industry.
The Director of the Russian House in Dhaka recalled the Bangladeshi students who travelled to the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s to pursue higher education.
She said their professional achievements in Bangladesh demonstrate the quality of the education they received and described the alumni as “ambassadors of friendship and culture” between Bangladesh and Russia.
The cultural programme featured a recitation of Alexander Pushkin's renowned poem I Loved You (Ya vas lyubil), along with Bharatanatyam and Manipuri dance performances and Bangla songs.
Renowned artist and SAAB member Timir Nandi performed the classic Russian song Moscow Nights (Podmoskovnye vechera), adding a distinctive Russian touch to the evening.
The main cultural programme concluded with a collective rendition of “We Shall Overcome” (Amra Korbo Joy) by invited artists and guests.
The event ended with a fellowship dinner and group photographs, underscoring the continuing educational and cultural links that have connected the peoples of Bangladesh and Russia across generations.
