Published: 10:43 AM, 10 May 2026 Last Update: 10:44 AM, 10 May 2026
81st Russia Victory Day observed in Dhaka
The Russian House in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, organized a series of high-profile commemorative events on Saturday to mark the 81st anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (Velikaya Otechestvennaya Voyna). The day’s observances began at the Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh with the solemn “Immortal Regiment” (Bessmertny Polk) procession, where participants gathered to honor the memory of their ancestors who fought for freedom. Attendees proudly wore the Ribbon of Saint George (Georgiyevskaya Lenta), a revered symbol of military valor and remembrance.
The official ceremony featured a series of distinguished speakers who reflected on the historical significance of the victory. Alexandra Khelvnoy, Director of Russian Cultural Center, provided moving opening remarks, followed by addresses from Elena Bass, President of the Association of Compatriots “Rodina”, Mohammad Sirajul Islam, General Secretary of the Soviet Alumni Association Bangladesh (SAAB), and Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Chairman of the Liberation War Academy Trust. The morning session was highlighted by the keynote speech of His Excellency Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin, Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh, who subsequently flagged off a Moto-Auto Rally. A convoy of cars and motorcycles, decorated with Russian and Victory Day flags, traveled throughout the Gulshan area to raise public awareness before concluding the rally at the Russian House in Dhaka.
The commemoration transitioned to a cultural program and the inauguration of the “Wall of Memory” (Stena Pamyati) hosted at the Russian House in Dhaka. The program opened with formal remarks followed by a vibrant traditional dance performance to the song “Kalinka” by young artists. The event continued with performances of a selection of historic songs. A significant highlight of the literary tribute included a collective recitation of Robert Rozhdestvensky’s “Requiem”, as well as a poignant recitation of the iconic poem “Wait for me” (Zhdi menya) by Konstantin Simonov.
In a deeply personal segment, a short video tribute honored the fallen heroes of the great war, after which members of the “Rodina” association shared testimonies regarding their own loved ones lost in the conflict and commemorated them by placing flowers on the Wall of Memory. The evening concluded with a community singing session featuring legendary wartime melodies such as “Temnaya Noch”, “Smuglyanka”, “Alyosha”, and the triumphant anthem “Den Pobedi”. This celebration not only honored the past but also reinforced the cultural bonds between Russia and Bangladesh.
The official ceremony featured a series of distinguished speakers who reflected on the historical significance of the victory. Alexandra Khelvnoy, Director of Russian Cultural Center, provided moving opening remarks, followed by addresses from Elena Bass, President of the Association of Compatriots “Rodina”, Mohammad Sirajul Islam, General Secretary of the Soviet Alumni Association Bangladesh (SAAB), and Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Chairman of the Liberation War Academy Trust. The morning session was highlighted by the keynote speech of His Excellency Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin, Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh, who subsequently flagged off a Moto-Auto Rally. A convoy of cars and motorcycles, decorated with Russian and Victory Day flags, traveled throughout the Gulshan area to raise public awareness before concluding the rally at the Russian House in Dhaka.
The commemoration transitioned to a cultural program and the inauguration of the “Wall of Memory” (Stena Pamyati) hosted at the Russian House in Dhaka. The program opened with formal remarks followed by a vibrant traditional dance performance to the song “Kalinka” by young artists. The event continued with performances of a selection of historic songs. A significant highlight of the literary tribute included a collective recitation of Robert Rozhdestvensky’s “Requiem”, as well as a poignant recitation of the iconic poem “Wait for me” (Zhdi menya) by Konstantin Simonov.
In a deeply personal segment, a short video tribute honored the fallen heroes of the great war, after which members of the “Rodina” association shared testimonies regarding their own loved ones lost in the conflict and commemorated them by placing flowers on the Wall of Memory. The evening concluded with a community singing session featuring legendary wartime melodies such as “Temnaya Noch”, “Smuglyanka”, “Alyosha”, and the triumphant anthem “Den Pobedi”. This celebration not only honored the past but also reinforced the cultural bonds between Russia and Bangladesh.
