Editor, Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib:
The Russian House in Dhaka organized its semi-annual press conference on Tuesday (June 30, 2026). Representatives of various media outlets in Bangladesh, representatives of educational institutions, participants of Russia’s international education and youth programs, and invited guests were present. The press conference summarized the activities of the Russian House in the first half of 2026 and presented new opportunities for education, science, culture, and youth cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia.
In her opening remarks, Alexandra Khlevna, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, emphasized the continuous progress of educational cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia. She said that the number of Russian government scholarships for Bangladeshi students has increased from 65 in 2018 to 200 in 2026. As a result, higher education opportunities have been created in Russia for a larger number of talented Bangladeshi students.
Joining the press conference online, Russian government scholarship student Farzana Yasmin, who is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Global and Digital Media at the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Philology, Russian University of Friendship of Peoples (RUDN University), Moscow, shared her experience in Russia about her education, academic life, accommodation and the opportunities available for international students.
The press conference focused on various international youth programs funded by the Russian government. Through these programs, talented students and young professionals from Bangladesh are getting the opportunity to participate in education, science, research, culture and international exchange programs completely free of charge.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026 was specially discussed, where five representatives from Bangladesh participated under the Russian International Youth Program. On this occasion, the participants were Md. Syed Raihan ul Islam (Daffodil International University), Md. Touhid Bin Shafi (Canadian University of Bangladesh), Shakib Asad Khan (Canadian University of Bangladesh) and Dr. Barek Kaiser (University of Development Alternative) shared their experiences, opportunities to build international networks and gain professional knowledge.
The Director also detailed various international initiatives of the ‘New Generation Program’ including the World Youth Festival and the Eastern Economic Forum. Through these programs, talented young people from Bangladesh are getting the opportunity to participate in fully funded educational, cultural and international exchange programs in Russia.
In addition, the ‘Children for Peace’ International Conference was also discussed. This year, six students from Bangladesh gained the opportunity to participate in this program through competitive educational selection and have further strengthened international friendship and intercultural dialogue by participating in educational, cultural and peace-building programs with students from different countries of the world.
The press conference also presented information about the Open Dialogue and the InterRussia Fellowship Program for Journalists. On this occasion, congratulations were extended to Daffodil International University alumnus Zinnat Ara Jaswa, who has been selected to participate in the InterRussia Fellowship Program for Journalists.
Rosatom’s international project ‘Icebreaker of Knowledge’ was also discussed. It was mentioned that in both 2025 and 2026, one winner from Bangladesh has been selected, who has a rare opportunity to participate in a fully funded scientific expedition to the North Pole aboard the Russian nuclear icebreaker ‘50 Let Pobedy’.
The press conference also highlighted the remarkable achievements of Bangladeshi students in various international academic olympiads organized with the support of Russia. These include Financial Security Olympiad, Open World Astronomy Olympiad, International Junior Science Olympiad, Open Biology Olympiad, Open Environmental Olympiad and various other international competitions, where Bangladeshi students have enhanced the reputation of the country by winning medals.
Of particular note is the Open International Biology Olympiad 2026, which was held in the Syrus Federal Territory. Team Bangladesh won the project round in this competition. In addition, Tasin Mohammad, a student of Biam Model School and College, brought another important international success to Bangladesh by winning the bronze medal in the individual category.
At the press conference, Tasin Mohammad spoke about his experience of participating in the Olympiad in Russia, the world-class educational environment, international friendship and his initiative to expand the opportunities for Bangladeshi students to participate in international Olympiads in the future. He is currently serving as the official representative of several international Olympiads in Russia in Bangladesh.
Special emphasis was also placed on educational and linguistic cooperation. Alexandra Khlevnoy said that in 2025, Daffodil International University, North South University, Stamford University Bangladesh and State University of Bangladesh conducted intensive Russian language courses with the participation of experts from St. Petersburg and RUDN University. She also said that in August 2026, Russian language experts will return to Bangladesh and conduct free Russian language education programs for university students.
The press conference also discussed the cultural and sports diplomacy of the Russian House. Among them, the One Run international running competition, traditional sports-based ethnosport activities, film festivals, art exhibitions, music concerts, youth exchange programs and various cultural initiatives organized to strengthen mutual relations between the peoples of Bangladesh and Russia were highlighted.
In the closing session of the event, Sofia Kutepova, Attaché and Press Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, gave a presentation titled ‘Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia’. He highlighted Russia’s multiethnic and multireligious society, cultural diversity, and the importance of mutual respect, harmony, and intercultural dialogue.
The press conference was followed by an open discussion with media representatives. Participants exchanged views on Russia’s education, science, culture, international youth programs, and various prospects for future cooperation.
