Societal Events Report :A colourful programme was held at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) in the city’s Dhanmondi area recently to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Alexander G Chesnokov, Deputy Head of its head office in Moscow ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO (Federal agency for affairs with Commonwealth of independent states compatriots residing abroad and international humanitarian cooperation) was present as chief guest in the programme, while State Minister for Science and Technology Ministry architect Yeafesh Osman and Alexander A Nikolayev, Ambassador of Russian Federation to Bangladesh, were also present as special guests on the occasion. The programme was attended by members of Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Society, Soviet/Russian Alumni association, University professor and cultural activists, Russian language students, Russian compatriots in Dhaka, Russian Embassy diplomats, media personalities as well as representatives from the RCSC affiliated partner clubs and organisations. The Cultural Centre’s Head, Alexander P Demin welcomed the guests and briefed them on the activities of the RCSC in Dhaka and ties with other educational and cultural organisation in Bangladesh. Noted litterateur Sayed Shamsul Haq, also President of Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Society, Engr Md Habib Ahsan, President and Engr S A M Sazzad Hossain, General Secretary of Soviet Alumni Association, Bangladesh was awarded from ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO by Deputy Head, Alexander G Chesnokov. Sayed Shamsul Haq in his speech said that Russia is the forever friend of Bangladesh which proved the role and activities of former Soviet Union and present Russian Federation from the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 till now. The RCSC in Dhaka also playing a great role to make socio-cultural tie between to countries. Professor Dr A A M S Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka thanked to the RCSC Head to treat him as all-time partner of RCSC. Architect Yeafesh Osman appreciated the efforts of the Centre to arrange a cultural dialogue between the peoples of Bangladesh and Russia. A crest of honour of 40th anniversary of the RCSC in Dhaka handover by ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO Deputy Head, Alexander G Chesnokov was held after the official part of the programme. Architect Yeafesh Osman; Sayed Shamsul Haq, Prof Dr S M Nazrul Islam, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET); Prof Dr M Lutfar Rahman, Vice Chancellor of Daffodil International University; Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh; Engr Md Habib Ahsan, Engr Gholam Mostofa, Engr SAM Sazzad Hossain, Maqbul Ahmed Khan, President of Volga Club; ‘Jiyonkathi,’ literary organisation; Mashurul Amin, Founder of Bangladesh Astronomical Association; Dr Khaled Shawkat Ali, President of Ekattor Foundation were awarded ‘Crest of Honour’ from the RCSC for their activities with the Centre. A colourful cultural programme was held later. Graduates from Soviet /Russian University Dr Gazi Mizan, Syeda Shamsun Naher Jolly and Tanvir Ahmed Bhuiya Jewel rendered Russian and Bengali songs, Quazi Adelina Billur and Quazi Adreana Billur was performed famous Russian dance Kalinka, while aspiring students of the dance department of Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) performed one Russian and three different Bangladeshi dance performances under the guidance of Natalia Demina and BAFA teacher Farhana Chowdhury Baby. The visitors to the Russian Centre were also offered a photo exhibition about the past activities of RCSC from 2006 as well as dinner for all. NN photo
