Russian Digest 2022

training to Bangladeshi students in Impetus to Research and Institute to undertake research and operations and management of nuclear Development in development of nuclear technology in power plants. During the graduation non-power generation medicine. Similarly, the country, with ceremony of the Bangladeshi MEPHI applications of nuclear international co-operation, is graduates, the Bangladesh Ambassador technology developing nuclear technology to Russia Kamrul Ahsan noted, applications in agriculture including “Training young specialists from e project is not only ensuring insect and pest control and Bangladesh in the eld of nuclear creation of a highly skilled workforce, it improvement of crop production based energy will encourage the creation of has given considerable push to research on mutation breeding. e mutation innovative sectors in the country’s and development in nuclear technology breeding technique, based on nuclear economy. It is capable of improving the in the country. e knowledge and technology, creates crop varieties with quality of education, creating new experience gained from the RNPP by higher yield, shorter time for plant highly-paid jobs and the emergence of the Bangladeshi experts will be crucial growth and crops requiring less new specialists.” Moreover, the to develop indigenous non-power irrigation. A variety of rice seeds Bangladeshi experts working alongside applications of nuclear technology. developed by BAEC through mutation some of the world-renowned Russian Innovations in nuclear technology are breeding called BINA Dhan-14 and experts at RNPP are gaining valuable applicable to a number of areas BINA Dhan-18 are now being widely insights in planning, execution and including agriculture and medicine. used by farmers. operations of technologically complex Bangladesh Atomic Energy In addition to the direct and indirect and challenging tasks. e project is Corporation (BAEC) has taken some economic impacts on the employment directly contributing to developing a concrete steps in this regard. It has generation, development of skilled pool of highly skilled labor force. established the Nuclear Medical Physics human resources, indigenous capacity building for large, technologically complex projects and a driver for industrial growth, the RNPP project is also contributing to capacity development in other areas as well. A pertinent example would be the recent training of Bangladesh army personnel in the physical protection of nuclear facilities. e two week training was conducted by Global Nuclear Safety and Security Institute of Rosatom. Noting the importance of RNPP in the country’s economic development, Sajedul Islam, Lecturer (Adjunct), Department of Economics, Independent University, Bangladesh says, “ e project is a much-awaited push towards ensuring energy supply for Bangladesh’s plan of rapid industrialization. If we want to achieve our goal of raising the per capita income to $12,500 by 2041, the speed of industrialization and diversi cation of the economy will have to be signi cantly scaled up which will require a sustainable and environment friendly energy source. RNPP is de nitely a concrete step in that direction. e expertise and experience our Bangladeshi experts are gaining from the project will also contribute to building a skilled workforce which would be bene cial for the country in the long-run.” Notes: e writer of the article Aroup Raton Shaha is a Researcher (International Investment Law) and Chairman (Acting) Department of Law, Cox’s Bazar International University 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 49Russian Digest

OPENING NEW HORIZONS AGAINST ALL ODDS: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT PROJECTS WE STAND \"Oil and gas has long taken center stage STRONG in Bangladesh's economy as expectations TOGETHER! stay high\". A Russian Gazprom EP International and the state-run Srikail-3:drilling rig Petrobangla have remained partners for about a decade boasting several 50 Russian Digest successful upstream joint projects in the country. Ten (10) percent to the national gas production A close collaboration with Gazprom — Russia's gas giant — goes back to 2010 when the government of Bangladesh addressed its Russian counterpart asking for assistance in the oil and gas upstream sector and creating the countrywide gas supply system. Gazprom EP International, a Gazprom Group member focusing on hydrocarbon exploration and production outside Russia, was tasked to start the work in Bangladesh. 2012 saw a number of contracts signed by Gazprom EP International with ВАРЕХ, BGFCL, and SGFL regulating the drilling, completion, and connection of 10 wells with a depth of up to 4 km in the country's gas elds. e work began in spring 2013, and by November 2014, all the ten wells were brought to routine operation. e overall ow rate exceeded 5 mln cubic feet of gas per day. is and the speed of well drilling were highly appraised by the Bangladeshi authorities 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

East Shahbazpur-1 drilling is launched by Nasimuddin Chowdhuri, Deputy Minister of Power, International and ВАРЕХ signed a Energy and Mineral Resourses of Bangladesh, 2018 Memorandum of Understanding for the appraisal of the Bhola elds. e work promoting cooperation with Gazprom. A big discovery and intends to go step by step. e rst step In the fall of 2015, Gazprom EP further exploration is to analyze the hydrocarbon potential International inked new agreements of the existing elds and prospects. is with the same Bangladeshi companies e drilling performed by Gazprom will pave the way for the further to drill ve more wells. e works EP International helped to con rm the exploration and production of were performed ahead of time in the substantial hydrocarbon potential of hydrocarbons. en it is planned to end of 2016, and in March 2017, Bhola Island: in 2018, North Bhola estimate the oil and gas resources of the Gazprom EP International and with 17 bcm of gas reserves was island as a whole, work out a strategy for BAPEX agreed to drill two more wells discovered 35 km away from the the exploration and development of the in Bhola Island, in Southern Shahbazpur gas eld. e government Bangladesh. By February 2018, the of the energy-starved Bangladesh elds and give a preliminary assessment drilling of both wells was completed made a decision to continue exploring of investments in the project. e parties adding about 2 million cubic meters to Bhola and the nearby land, and to have already signed an NDA. Next, the daily gas ow rate in the country. launch the full-scale development of Gazprom EP International's experts will Good design and the optimized use of Shahbazpur and North Bhola. study a vast array of up-to-date data on technology allowed Gazprom EP Gazprom EP International, a the Bhola elds, access will be granted by International to add over 10 percent to long-time reliable partner, was o ered BAPEX in short time. the national gas production in a very to join these eld development short time. projects as a partner and investor. ree new wells in 22 months On 28 January 2020, Gazprom EP Field work begins to resuscitate following a forced downtime caused by COVID-19. Considering the positive experience of previous projects, BAPEX o ered Gazprom EP International to drill three gas wells. is was sealed with an Addendum signed on 30 July this year. In the near 22 months, Gazprom EP International will drill and hand over two exploration wells Tabgi-1 and Illisha-1 and an appraisal well North Bhola-2. Each well will reach the depth of about 3500 meters. Gazprom EP International has begun preparations. We stand strong together Active collaboration progresses resting on a high level of trust to Gazprom EP International in Bangladesh given its ten-year-long experience in the country's oil and gas market and the success of the implemented projects. e rapidly developing economy of Bangladesh has a growing need for energy resources. is means that the e orts of Gazprom EP International supported by Petrobangla will remain eagerly sought for many years to come. Joint work remains the highest priority, and the contribution of each of the parties — both Bangladeshi and Russian — is extremely important. e accumulated experience, use of cutting edge technology, and highly quali ed local personnel help to quickly resolve the most complex issues and rapidly develop the oil and gas industry of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. East Shahbazpur-1drilling rig 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 51Russian Digest

INTERNATIONAL HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION MR VLADIMIR V. PUTIN ADDRESSES VITAL MATTERS OF THE GLOBAL AGENDA Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week International Forum. The panel discussion topic is Global Energy: Transformation for Development. October 13, 2021 Friends, prospects for the global energy sector Ladies and gentlemen, and its most important trends, and, of I would like to welcome all participants course, to suggest mechanisms for the and guests of the Russian Energy Week. long-term stabilisation of the energy Moscow is again hosting heads of the market, which is of particular leading energy companies and importance amid the current challenges corporations, authoritative experts and that our moderator has just mentioned. specialists, in order for them to jointly discuss the current state of and e energy sector has felt the full impact of the crisis caused by the 52 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

COVID-19 pandemic, when forced Last year’s results show that global 2018. restrictions, business slowdown, primary energy consumption declined by e situation in the oil sector was production stoppages and transport 4.7 percent, which was the heaviest shock disruptions all over the world for the sector over the past 70 years. altogether unique. None of you or us dramatically reduced the demand for Prices have been adjusted to the falling could even believe it. Nobody could energy resources. e people present in demand. Last year, for example, the price even imagine that last spring oil would this room know this quite well because of natural gas in Europe dropped by 60 record negative prices for the rst time these problems have a ected their percent to $113 per thousand cubic in history. It became more expensive to companies. metres against $159 in 2019 and $282 in store oil than to purchase it. is situation is simply unique. 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 53Russian Digest

Stability and predictability are winter demand. However, this year, important in any market. Russia even a er a cold winter in Europe, ful ls its contractual obligations to many countries chose not to do so, our partners in full, including its relying on spot gas supplies and the partners in Europe, ensuring “invisible hand” of the market, but a guaranteed, uninterrupted gas spike in demand has sent prices even supplies in this direction. We are higher. seeing conditions that will result in To reiterate, the rise in natural gas record high volumes of gas prices in Europe stemmed from distribution to the global market by shortages of electricity, not the other year end. Moreover, we are always way around. ere is no need to lay the willing to meet our partners blame on other people, which is what halfway and are ready to discuss some of our partners are trying to do. additional actions. Occasionally, you get stunned by what is being said on this account, as if these e OPEC+ agreements played a key e main reason for this is that not people do not know the numbers – I role in stabilising the oil market at that everything in this market depends on will say more about this later – as if they time. e OPEC and non-OPEC producers: gas consumers are playing do not see the reality and are just countries managed to develop e cient an equal and even bigger role. covering up their own mistakes. cooperation, ensure the stability of the I am going to say a few things that may Systemic aws have been gradually oil sector during the pandemic and, sound like obvious and commonplace introduced in European energy over the most importantly, create conditions for truths in this professional audience, but past decade, which led to a major investment activity If investment in various persons in charge have lately market crisis in Europe. new deposits and future oil production chosen to forget about them or keep As a reminder, when nuclear and had been suspended, the market would silent about them, replacing an analysis natural gas-based generation were the have quickly faced a huge, critical of the situation with empty political leading energy sources, there were no shortage. We are seeing some of these slogans. such crises, and there were no grounds things today. Here is what I am talking about. Over for them. Now at the stage of global economic the past 10 years, the share of renewable recovery and growing oil demand, our energy sources in the European energy ankfully, problems of this kind have countries are also stabilising the market balance has skyrocketed, which, on the no place in Russia. A long-term and its price quotes. ey are promptly face of it, appears to be a good thing – approach to the fuel and energy increasing oil production and shipping. and they are now playing a signi cant complex allows us to set Europe’s Russia is a responsible OPEC+ and noticeable part. What can you say? lowest residential and industrial member. We assume the agreement will It is a good thing any way you look at it. electricity rates. To put that into remain valid until the end of next year, However, this sector is notorious for perspective, the average price of 2022. erratic power generation. It requires electricity in Russia is about 20 euros At the same time, the current results large reserve capacities. In the event of per megawatt-hour; in Lithuania it is show that cooperation between our major generation failures, primarily due 256 euros, 300 euros in Germany and countries has every opportunity for to bad weather, this reserve is simply France, and 320 euros in the UK. further expansion. It may embrace not large enough to cover the demand. additional areas, including the e growth of rates in our country is development of new eco-friendly is is exactly what happened this year, limited and is strictly regulated, which technology for producing and process- when, due to a decrease in wind farm is not the case in European countries, ing hydrocarbons, and an exchange of generation, there was a shortage of where, due to an increase in the cost of the best practices for measuring and electricity on the European market. power generation, utilities bills have reducing the carbon footprint. Prices soared, which triggered a spike in been climbing almost every month As distinct from oil, the situation in the natural gas prices on the spot market. recently. I have these numbers on my gas market, primarily in Europe, does Importantly, gas consumption is fact sheet, but I am not going to bore not yet look balanced and predictable. seasonal. Its reserves are traditionally you with the details now. replenished in the summer to meet the I would like to say a few more words about the gas market situation. You o en hear that high listings are good for raw materials producers allowing them to see super-pro ts without making any visible e ort. However, those defending this position do not understand what they are talking about; they prefer not to look ahead, and are slow to take into consideration the long-term implications. But these implications are clear, including for the industry: the dramatic, repeated surge 54 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

in energy prices in uences business, the Russia fully understands the serious economy, and the utilities sector during nature of the challenges in this area. periods of drastically increased costs; We see and understand the threats and many businesses are forced to cut risks for all people, the whole world, as energy consumption and reduce was just said, and for this country. In production volumes. is means that high prices can ultimately have negative Russia, the average annual consequences for everyone, including temperatures are increasing more than producers. Russian producers, including those in this room, are well 2.5 times faster than overall global aware of this. temperatures. In the past ten years, Stability and predictability are import- they have increased by almost half a ant in any market. Russia ful ls its degree, and Arctic temperatures are contractual obligations to our partners in full, including its partners in Europe, rising even more rapidly. ensuring guaranteed, uninterrupted gas supplies in this direction. We are seeing interests of all sides. dioxide, and we are converting to conditions that will result in record Colleagues! higher technical standards. high volumes of gas distribution to the Of course, climate change is among the Large projects are underway to global market by year end. Moreover, main factors determining the long-term modernise the power-generating we are always willing to meet our development of the global energy industry and the housing and utilities partners halfway and are ready to industry. sector. Of course, we will continue to discuss additional actions. Russia fully understands the serious support these initiatives in the future. We consistently work to strengthen the nature of the challenges in this area. We Russia’s tremendous potential for energy security of the entire European see and understand the threats and risks boosting energy e ciency accounts for continent. Major infrastructure projects for all people, the whole world, as was an estimated one-third of current – Turk Stream, Balkan Stream, Nord just said, and for this country. In energy consumption. In this respect, I Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 – are being Russia, the average annual tempera- have asked the Government of Russia to implemented jointly with European tures are increasing more than 2.5 times update the state programme on energy companies, our partners and friends. faster than overall global temperatures. e ciency and energy saving; we In the past ten years, they have recently discussed this matter at a eir task is to ensure, for years ahead, increased by almost half a degree, and government meeting. We need to the stability and predictability of gas Arctic temperatures are rising even extend this programme until 2035, and availability in the amounts needed by more rapidly. we will do so. We have to work more the European countries. I would like to Russia supports international initiatives actively in all sectors of the national add that the implementation of these to preserve the climate and is ful lling economy, including industry, agricul- projects is leading to a considerable – its obligations. In the next few decades, ture, transport, and the housing and by several orders of magnitude – we are set to ensure that the accumulat- utilities sector, to achieve our ambitious reduction in greenhouse gas emission. ed volume of net greenhouse gas goals and reduce the GDP’s energy Just for your information: the carbon emissions will be even lower than in the needs and intensity, as well as the intensity of Russian natural gas European Union. Colleagues, these are negative environmental impact. distribution along the Nord Stream 1 not empty words but a guide to action. I would like to add that Russia will take pipeline is 66.7 percent lower than that We are already implementing a number practical action to ensure the carbon of US LNG. I am saying this just to of projects that are yielding and will neutrality of its economy, and we have compare. yield results for many years to come. set a speci c benchmark: no later than At the same time, we now need to come Russian oil and gas companies are 2060. to terms regarding the global mecha- I have said it before and I will say it nisms to balance the energy market. We aring less associated gas. I would like again: climate conservation is a should launch a meaningful, substan- to repeat once again that I have recently common goal for all humankind. Much tive dialogue between energy producers discussed this matter at a meeting: we work lies ahead of us. Undoubtedly, it is and consumers on this issue, a dialogue are showing better indicators than hard and demanding work involving a free of political bias and imposed anywhere else in the world. We are wide range of specialists, corporate clichés. We are talking about extremely launching projects to trap carbon important matters, which directly in uence the functioning of business and organizations, as well as the wellbeing of households and millions of people both in Russia and in our partner countries, including those in Europe. I am con dent that this dialogue can help nd solutions that take into account market trends and the 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 55Russian Digest

Russia has scienti c, resource and to 140 million tonnes a year by 2035. logistical opportunities to capture a We also hope to strengthen our substantial share in these promising positions in this dynamic market and markets. I already spoke about this at occupy about 20 percent of it owing to the recent economic forum in low production costs and competitive Vladivostok and urged our colleagues logistics. I would like to note that LNG from the Asia-Paci c Region to is already the main cargo in the cooperate in this area. I hope our Northern Sea Route. partners from Europe, the United In addition, by 2035, we expect to States and other countries will also increase our share in global petrochem- respond to this proposal. ical supplies from the current 1 percent to 7 percent. I will add that in the next executives, public associations and decarbonising the global energy sector. few decades, hydrogen and ammonia governments. Of course, climate projects, including will strengthen their positions in the At the same time, the climate agenda the ones that use natural ecosystems, global power industry, as we also know must not be ‘weaponised’ to promote should play a key role in overcoming well. ey will be used as raw materials, the economic or political interests of this global challenge in the form of fuel and energy sources. individual countries. We all need to accumulated greenhouse gases. Russia Russia has scienti c, resource and work to put together common to all of can o er truly unique solutions in this logistical opportunities to capture a us, clear, fair and transparent climate regard. e e ectiveness of these substantial share in these promising regulation rules to be applied globally. projects in our country is signi cantly markets. I already spoke about this at higher than the e ectiveness of the recent economic forum in Vladivo- ey must rely on a genuine concern investing in the development of stok and urged our colleagues from the for the climate and an understanding of renewable energy in Europe. Asia-Paci c Region to cooperate in this each country’s role and contribution In order to implement these initiatives area. I hope our partners from Europe, based on mutually acceptable models and to create a better business environ- the United States and other countries for accounting and monitoring ment, it is necessary to channel the will also respond to this proposal. greenhouse gas emissions and green- investment ow into projects o ering Friends, house gas absorption. the highest return. Of course, when It is critically important to stick to implementing climate projects, there e consequences of the pandemic and technological neutrality principles, that can be no place for sanctions or other the shakeup of the regional energy is, to take an impartial inventory of the restrictive measures that are usually markets have shown once again how carbon footprint created by di erent politically motivated. important it is to ensure the stable, types of energy generation. Few people Also, the international situation is con dent performance of the are aware of this, but the nuclear telling us that climate issues must be fuel-and-energy sector for the modern energy’s carbon footprint is lower than tackled in close coordination with the world and to supply consumers with that of solar energy. I think even the plans for expanding economic sectors, a ordable energy with minimal impact specialists here are, perhaps, hearing primarily, the energy sector. on the environment. this for the rst time. According to expert estimates, in the All participants in the market – both Russia has unique practical expertise in next 25 years, the share of hydrocar- producers and consumers – must take the development and extended bons in the global energy balance may balanced and responsible action to operation of nuclear technology, decline from the current 80–85 percent ensure the world’s energy and environ- including fast neutron reactors, which to 60–65 percent. Importantly, the role mental security. ey should tailor will eventually make it possible to of oil and coal will go down – my these actions to the long-term perspec- convert to a closed fuel cycle and to Russian colleagues in this hall are well tive in the interests of the sustainable make wider use of small nuclear power aware of this and proceed from this – development of our countries and the plants and small reactors. By the way, a whereas the role of natural gas as the prosperity of our people. low-power oating nuclear power plant cleanest “transitional” fuel will go up. Russia is ready for such constructive, is already operating in Chukotka. trustworthy and close cooperation, Building on the achievements in this is applies to developing the produc- including a direct dialogue with our area, we will continue to export nuclear tion of lique ed natural gas (LNG). We partners in Europe and with the technology and thereby contribute to plan to increase its production in Russia European Commission, with a view to searching for common solutions on stabilising the energy markets and countering climate change. I am con dent that we will de nitely achieve results in resolving these di cult issues. ank you for your attention. 56 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

Vladimir Putin took part in the opening of the third Eurasian Women’s Forum. The main theme of the forum is Women: A Global Mission in a New Reality Friends, it on more fair and balanced principles of the social support I am sincerely happy to welcome all of you to St Petersburg system. and to the third Eurasian Women’s Forum. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic and overcoming its As you know, it was held for the rst time in 2015, and has consequences have also become a global challenge. All over con dently gained a place among reputable international the world, women doctors and medical workers have come to platforms, which can be con rmed by the current forum’s the forefront of the ght against the pandemic, taking on the representation. hardest work. Millions of people, without any exaggeration It has brought together women leaders: politicians, entrepre- millions of people all over the world are grateful to them for neurs and public activists from over 100 countries, which is saving their lives. incredible in today’s conditions. Women, with their keen understanding of the value of life, compassion and mercy, have always had a special mission in e Forum’s cooperation and interaction with such associa- healthcare. I am con dent that it will remain the same in the tions as BRICS, APEC, UNIDO, and W20 is growing. future, including in determining further actions in the healthcare sector, pharmaceutics, and protection of health in e modern dynamically changing world sets new goals for general, with due account of the lessons of the pandemic. society and states. And, of course, women are playing an Women’s activities in searching for responses to global and increasingly signi cant role in addressing them. ese local challenges, as well as their active involvement in all include sustainable economic development, the global spheres of life serve common interests and help to discover climate agenda, ecology and environment protection, as well the human potential at its best. Today it seems to be the key as new approaches to education as a process that accompa- nies people throughout their lives, and the ambition to build 57Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

e modern dynamically changing We will carry on because it is important world sets new goals for society and to solve the problem of every family. states. And, of course, women are Moreover, there are programmes of playing an increasingly signi cant role professional training, and advanced in addressing them. ese include training, which can be accessed by sustainable economic development, the women on maternity leave. global climate agenda, ecology and We also support families with children environment protection, as well as new who have nancial di culties. Let me approaches to education as a process remind you that this year a number of that accompanies people throughout new decisions have been adopted, such their lives, and the ambition to build it as assistance to pregnant women and on more fair and balanced principles payments to single parents, which, as a of the social support system. rule, are women, mothers in most cases, and there is no point in pretending factor for progress and advancement, as a long-standing practice and tradition otherwise. well as speci c changes for the better all for our country. And we are proud of Over the last few years, we have over the world: within separate such modern features of our society. By signi cantly readjusted the entire countries and, as I have already said, on the way, we – o en deservedly – system of payments for families with the entire planet. critically assess the Soviet period of our children, made it more e ective and Friends, modern history, but it must be intend to continue this work in order to Traditional family values are of great admitted that, largely due to the Soviet adopt an entire range of understandable importance for our country, for the period, such an atmosphere has and client-friendly social measures to entire Russian society. Oddly enough, developed in society in relation to support families until their children this o en causes controversy, and we women. are even criticised in this regard. Of In Russia, we can see a widespread nish school. is help and support course, with the absolute need to ensure presence of women in government from the state will make it possible for the freedoms of every person, including bodies and outstanding stories of their women to plan their future more the freedom of self-identi cation, business success. ey make up the con dently. nevertheless, I am still convinced that majority in the fast-growing creative Colleagues, traditional family values are the most industry sector – more than 58 percent, Of course, on the global scale, a lot important moral support and a as well as in Russian science, where the more should be done for the full guarantee of successful development share of women is almost 40 percent implementation of women’s rights, in both in the present and in the future. among researchers. order to ensure the possibility of their Women have a special role in Russian It is quite obvious that in today’s free, non-discriminatory participation families. e generosity with which conditions a woman should not have to in all spheres of life everywhere. Even in they devote themselves to raising choose whether she will devote herself economically developed countries – we children and caring for their loved ones to her children and family or focus on follow these discussions and see them – deserves the sincerest gratitude. But at her professional ambitions. We proceed even there, imbalance and inequality in the same time, I would say Russia precisely from this understanding. at career planning and in wages are o en traditionally respects the business and is why Russia constantly creates all the recorded. I closely follow these professional skills of women. And the conditions so that a er the birth of a discussions in the so-called developed fact that they are excellent specialists in child, a woman can start or resume her economies, and there are enough various industries, responsible and professional career at any time, achieve problems there. reliable colleagues does not need any success and develop in the job that she additional proof for our citizens. likes. e Eurasian Women’s Forum, as a Once again: the things that are almost We have done a lot to increase the platform for international dialogue, breakthroughs for some countries, availability of kindergartens and new initiatives, and development of accompanied by loud campaigns about nurseries. Of course, we should perhaps common approaches to global the rights and freedoms of women, are do even more to improve this situation. problems, makes the realistic achieve- ment of the goals you discuss at this forum closer. And I am sure that your personal example, the example of leaders, women who enjoy their well-deserved recognition in all spheres, inspire a lot of people in various countries, millions of people without exaggeration. I wish you success and fruitful work, as well as happiness, health and joy to you and your families. ank you for your attention. 58 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

Address by the President of the Russian Federation to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity October 12, 2021 President Xi Jinping, Mr Guterres, ladies and gentlemen, the Secretariat of the Convention for hosting this meeting of Greetings to the participants of the 15th meeting of the the Conference, which is going by the name “Ecological Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Civilisation: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.” Biological Diversity. is conference provides a good opportunity to exchange is convention was adopted almost 30 years ago and it views on how to maximise the harmonious coexistence of remains a key universal instrument of international law that humans and nature, to most e ectively mobilise the e orts of unites countries and multilateral organisations in their e orts the international community to protect biodiversity and to to conserve nature and to promote the sustainable use of our promote the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as to planet’s resources. de ne the goals and modalities of international cooperation in these areas. ese goals are more relevant than ever before, because we I would like to take this opportunity to point out that Russia can see how human activities and the rapid development of has a unique and abundant supply of natural resources for technology, industry and agriculture, unfortunately, o en supporting life on the planet, and biodiversity conservation is negatively a ect the environment and climate. an absolute priority for us. We try to approach it responsibly, In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to our consistently and systematically. Moreover, state institutions, Chinese friends and personally to President Xi Jinping for businesses and civil society have partnered on this work. their support of e orts to step up international cooperation A comprehensive sustainable development strategy is being in the sphere of conservation. In turn, we are committed to implemented in our country, whose framework includes working together with all stakeholders in order to preserve signi cant attention to the environmental agenda, protecting our common habitat. and growing the numbers of rare and endangered animals And, of course, we are grateful to our Chinese colleagues and 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 59Russian Digest

Protection of rare animal and plant species is guaranteed at the state level in our country. e measures taken to this end are yielding tangible results. In particular, the populations of Central Asian and Far Eastern leopards, snow leopards, saiga antelopes, polar bears, bison, birds of the falcon family and, of course, the Amur tiger have also grown. And we will continue these e orts, including in coordination with our foreign partners. and plants, as well as further these rare predators are found. of the developing world, including the strengthening specially protected I would be remiss not to mention that least developed countries. natural areas. At the federal level alone, thanks to the tremendous absorptive there are 109 nature reserves, 64 capacity of our forests, our country is e post-2020 Global Biodiversity national parks and 62 sanctuaries. In making a major contribution to Framework is currently being all, including regional and local addressing global environmental and negotiated. Russian experts are taking specially protected natural areas and climate problems and helping to part in this work. We want the other forms of protection, over 25 preserve biodiversity. As you may be programme to include speci c ideas percent of land in Russia is now aware, Russia accounts for 20 percent of and proposals regarding biodiversity protected under environmental law, the world's forest reserves. And we will protection and to help restore global which, believe me, is truly vast. In continue to improve the quality of environmental balance. addition, we are going to create at least forest management and take additional I would like to close by expressing 23 new protected natural areas by 2024. steps to combat wild res and restore con dence that this meeting of the Protection of rare animal and plant forests. Conference of the Parties to the UN species is guaranteed at the state level in Convention on Biological Diversity will our country. e measures taken to this e very fact that this conference exists be productive and e ective and, most end are yielding tangible results. In clearly shows that nature conservation importantly, promote constructive particular, the populations of Central cannot be successfully addressed by any cooperation between the countries Asian and Far Eastern leopards, snow country alone. is must be taken up by participating in the Convention. leopards, saiga antelopes, polar bears, all countries, without exaggeration, by bison, birds of the falcon family and, of all humankind. ank you. course, the Amur tiger have also grown. We fully support the idea of pursuing And we will continue these e orts, closer international cooperation on all including in coordination with our pressing issues related to protecting foreign partners. In this context, I want to point out the ora and fauna, the atmosphere and fact that we plan to hold the Second water resources. is cooperation must International Forum on the be carried out on the basis of generally Conservation of the Tiger Population in accepted scienti c data, a clearly September 2022. is forum will take de ned and comprehensive legal place as part of the Eastern Economic framework, and with respect for state Forum in Vladivostok. We look sovereignty over natural resources and forward to the participation of economic activities. Of course, it is representatives from all countries where important to be mindful of national priorities and the speci cs of each country, as well as to focus on the needs 60 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

The President of Russia addressed the participants of the World Leaders Summit on Action on Forests and Land Use held within the framework of the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) in Glasgow, UK Mr Prime Minister Johnson, ladies and accounts for around 20 percent of the world’s gentlemen, forestland. I am pleased to have this opportunity to We take the strongest and most vigorous welcome participants in the meeting on forests measures to conserve it. We improve forest and land-use. management, and ght illegal logging and I am convinced that the conservation of forest res. We are expanding reforestation forests and other natural ecosystems is a key areas. We have been consistently increasing component of international e orts to address funding for these purposes. global warming and reduce emissions of Russia supports the dra joint declaration on greenhouse gases. is topic ts organically forests and land-use proposed for approval at into the multidimensional agenda of the today’s meeting. We expect its implementation Glasgow Climate Change Conference. to facilitate closer partnerships between all By aiming to build a carbon-neutral economy interested States in forest conservation. is by no later than 2060, Russia is relying, among will undoubtedly serve to ful ll the objectives other things, on the unique resource of forest of reducing levels of carbon dioxide in the ecosystems available to us, and their atmosphere set out in the Paris Agreement. signi cant capacity to absorb carbon dioxide I would like to wish all of us success and all the and produce oxygen. A er all, our country best. 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 61Russian Digest

INTERNATIONAL Address by H.E. Mr Sergey V. Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly Identifying the key tasks are the conditions for achievements. It is also true for the platform like the United Nation that works as a catalyst for bringing changes required for humanity's development and voicing their concerns. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rightly points out some persistent attempts to diminish the UN’s role in resolving the key problems and gives a way to settle them. Mr President, had been suspended since the beginning of the Mr Secretary-General, COVID-19 pandemic. Ladies and gentlemen, Essentially, we have no other option, as broad I am glad to have this opportunity to speak from cooperation at the United Nations is particularly the podium of the United Nations General relevant now when the number of problems on the Assembly. e fact that we have once again international agenda continues to rise. e range gathered in this hall symbolises our collective of transboundary threats is expanding. Numerous readiness to resume normal communication that regional hotbeds of tension have a substantial 62 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

For Russia, it is obvious that threats fact, though, the Summit for and challenges can be countered Democracy will be a step towards e ectively only through concerted dividing the global community into e orts in strict compliance with the “us” and “them”. universally recognised norms of the It is also telling that while it declares the international law, rst and foremost, precedence of democracy in its the goals and principles of the UN relations with all partners, Washington Charter. is global organisation is only concerned about the domestic should play the central coordinating situation in relevant countries. When it role in global politics, fully unlocking comes to establishing democracy in its potential of universal international relations, the United multilateralism and legitimacy. States – as well as its allies – quickly loses any interest in the discussion, destabilising potential. We are seeing when rules are established behind because no one could dare to encroach increasing attempts to use the “might is closed doors, in circumvention of this on the authority of NATO and the EU. right '' approach instead of “right is universal organisation, they cannot might”. ere is no consensus among have a comprehensive legitimacy. ese are the rules. the leading powers as to the principles By shi ing the discussion on key issues President Biden has recently of the world order. to formats that suit it best, the West announced the rejection of military For Russia, it is obvious that threats and wants to exclude from the global methods used, as he put it, “to remake challenges can be countered e ectively decision-making process those who other countries”. We expect the United only through concerted e orts in strict have their own, di erent point of view. States to go one step further and reject compliance with the universally Following this logic, Germany and not only the use of force, but any other recognised norms of the international France have recently announced the methods of imposing their law, rst and foremost, the goals and creation of the Alliance for development model on others. principles of the UN Charter. is Multilateralism, even though what kind global organisation should play the of structure could be more multilateral e “rules-based order” is founded on central coordinating role in global than the United Nations? Berlin and double standards. When it serves the politics, fully unlocking its potential of Paris, however, have decided that at the West’s interests, peoples’ right to universal multilateralism and UN there are too many “conservatives” self-determination is rendered absolute. legitimacy. hindering the e orts of the “vanguard”. In such cases, an arti cially created Recently we have been witnessing entity of Kosovo, earlier forcefully persistent attempts to diminish the ey have proclaimed the European seized from a European country, Serbia, UN’s role in resolving the key problems Union to be the epitome of “e ective is recognised as an independent state in of today, to sideline it or to transform it multilateralism”, and all others are violation of the Security Council into a malleable tool promoting supposed to emulate it. resolution and without any someone’s sel sh interests. Such referendums. It doesn’t bother anyone attempts are clearly visible in the ere is a recent example: the US that the Malvinas are 12,000 km away so-called “rules-based order” concept administration has come up with the from Great Britain, and that Paris and that the West is persistently introducing idea to convene a Summit for London still control their former into political discourse as opposed to Democracy. It goes without saying that colonies, despite the UN and the international law. Washington is going to choose the International Court of Justice decisions, Naturally, no one can be opposed to participants by itself, thus hijacking the and have no intention of giving them rules as such. A er all, this is exactly right to decide to what degree a country freedom. On the other hand, when the what the UN Charter is – a set of rules. meets the standards of democracy. In right to self-determination runs counter However, these rules have been its essence, this initiative is quite in the to the West’s geopolitical interests, as it approved by all countries of the world. spirit of the Cold War, as it declares a did in the case of the people of Crimea’s Similarly, any new norms governing new ideological crusade against all expression of free will at the 2014 international interaction must be dissenters. It is noteworthy that this referendum on reuni cation with agreed upon at universal platforms, policy is being implemented against the Russia, it forgets all about it and above all, here. On the other hand, background of President Biden’s words introduces illegitimate sanctions for the that the United States is not seeking a exercise of this right. e reason is world divided into opposing blocks. In simple – the Crimean people were trying to break free from the ultra-radicals who were behind the coup in Ukraine supported by the West. Which means that since “the good guys” came to power in Kiev, they are, according to the Western rules, to be protected and exculpated. In the same vein of the “rules-based order”, the United States preserves the obsolete trade embargo against Cuba 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 63Russian Digest

and strives to impose its will on the Council, which needs to be adapted to behaviour in the use of information and people of Venezuela and Nicaragua – in the reality of a polycentric world order communications technology and on by expanding it with increased preparing a universal convention on agrant violation of the Charter-based representation of Asian, African and combating cybercrime. principle of non-interference in internal Latin American countries. Along with digital space, some a airs of sovereign states. e use of countries view outer space as an area of unilateral restrictive measures e UN Security Council permanent confrontation. We believe it is a undermines the prerogatives of the members, who, according to the UN dangerous trend and propose to Security Council and runs counter to Charter, bear a special responsibility prohibit the placement of weapons in the UN Secretary-General’s call to before the Organisation, can and must outer space as well as the threat or use suspend them at least for the period of encourage genuine collective action. of force in space. e relevant the pandemic. President of Russia Vladimir Putin has Russian-Chinese dra treaty remains A number of countries’ e orts to proposed to convene a P5 summit to on the table of the Conference on rewrite the history of World War II are hold a frank discussion on global Disarmament. also intended to weaken the UN-centric stability issues. Russia consistently comes up with world order. e EU and NATO Great expectations are also linked with initiatives on other issues requiring member states refuse to support the the prospect of the Russian-American concerted action. General Assembly resolution on the dialogue on the future of arms control, Today, twenty years a er the atrocious inadmissibility of the glori cation of the start of which was agreed upon at terrorist attacks in New York, President Nazism, and reject proposals to the Russian-US summit in Geneva. Putin’s call to form a broad condemn the practice of destroying When there is good will, nding anti-terrorist coalition – without double monuments to those who liberated mutually acceptable solutions becomes standards, on the basis of the Europe from the “brown plague”. very real. e world was encouraged international law – is more relevant Instilling a “rules-based order” rather when the new US administration than ever. We are awaiting a response than ensuring unconditional agreed to our proposal to extend the to the Russian initiative to elaborate a compliance with the international law is New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty Convention for the Suppression of Acts fraught with a dangerous relapse into without any preconditions. Of of Chemical and Biological Terrorism. bloc policy and creation of dividing enormous importance was the fact that Progress in settling regional con icts lines between a group of Western the joint statement by the presidents of can only be made by acting on the basis countries and other states. However, Russia and the United States rea rmed of international law, by involving all recent events have shown that arbitrary their commitment to the principle stakeholders and taking their interests rules can be applied inside the Western according to which there can be no into account. In Afghanistan, Libya, bloc as well, if one of its members winners in a nuclear war and it must Syria, Yemen and in other hotbeds, all becomes too independent. At least, never be fought. external actors must show an many world media have perceived the A responsible approach is also needed understanding of the cultural and plot twist of the story around supplying in other spheres of strategic stability. civilisational speci cs of society, reject submarines to Australia as a response to Since Washington’s withdrawal from politicisation of humanitarian aid, and the talk of Europe’s “strategic the INF Treaty, Russia has made a assist in the establishment of autonomy”, which has intensi ed since unilateral commitment not to deploy government bodies with broad the US’ hasty withdrawal from such land-based missiles – either representation of all major ethnic, Afghanistan. e chaos that nuclear or non-nuclear – in regions religious and political forces of the accompanied this withdrawal is a where no similar US-made weapons relevant countries. Guided by such an further demonstration of the rules the will appear. We continue to await approach, Russia has been West is going to build its world order NATO members’ response to our constructively engaged in the on. proposal to proclaim a similar promotion of the Afghan settlement via We are convinced that it is time to draw moratorium, reinforced – and I would the extended Troika and the Moscow lessons from the dangerous like to emphasise it – with mutual format, has contributed to stabilising repercussions of the policy aimed at veri cation measures. the situation in Syria in the framework undermining the UN-centric Among new challenges and threats is of the Astana process, and has been architecture, which was shaped in the also some states’ intention to militarise working with all Libyan parties to a ermath of World War II and has the Internet and unleash a cyber arms implement political reforms. repeatedly proved to be a reliable race. Russia advocates agreeing upon insurance against disastrous scenarios. ways to ensure international e processes underway in the Middle In the face of global challenges, the information security at the UN Eastern region should not sideline the world needs unity rather than a new platform. Here again, the process task of reaching a sustainable divide. Russia strongly advocates should not be based on anyone’s Palestinian-Israeli settlement within the rejecting any confrontation and “special rules” but rather on universal universally recognised international stereotypes, and joining e orts to agreements allowing countries to legal framework, providing for the address key tasks of humanity's examine any concerns in a transparent creation of an independent and viable development and survival. We have manner, relying on facts. is is the Palestinian state coexisting in peace enough instruments for this. First and goal of our initiatives on elaborating with Israel. We stand for relaunching foremost, it is the UN and its Security uniform norms of states’ responsible direct negotiations between the Israelis 64 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

and the Palestinians, galvanising the Today, twenty years a er the role of the Quartet of international atrocious terrorist attacks in New mediators in coordination with the York, President Putin’s call to form a League of Arab States. broad anti-terrorist coalition – Russia continues to contribute to the without double standards, on the normalisation of relations between Iran basis of the international law – is and its Arab neighbours. Together with more relevant than ever. We are our partners we seek the soonest awaiting a response to the Russian possible resumption of the full initiative to elaborate a Convention implementation of the JCPOA on for the Suppression of Acts of settling the situation around the Iranian Chemical and Biological Terrorism. nuclear programme. A comprehensive approach is required to stabilise the to mobilise all states towards reaching Why make Africa an arena for entire region in the long term. is is global climate goals. confrontation? the objective of the updated Russian Chapter VIII of the UN Charter is Collective Security Concept for the e work of all mechanisms that can dedicated to relations with regional Persian Gulf, which has been recently impact the e ciency of global organisations. Based on it, the circulated as a UNSC and UNGA governance should be tuned to Secretary-General brings such document. searching for a balance of interests. e organisations together every year to In the context of searching for ways to capacity of such an inclusive association hold an exchange of opinions on issues overcome regional crises, we are ready as the G20, which brings together “the of global politics. We believe it would to share Russia’s unique experience of old” and “the new” dynamically be very useful to make the next step in peaceful coexistence of di erent developing global centres, such as this format and use it to dra some civilisations, religions, and cultures. We BRICS and the like-minded others, proposals of ways to harmonise expect the World Conference on should be used to its maximum. It was regional aspirations in order to give a Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue, with great interest that we perceived the maximum e ective global response to which will take place in St Petersburg Global Development Initiative the challenges of our time. on May 16-18, 2022, to produce proposed by President of China Xi All of us are in the same boat. It falls substantial practical results. e Jinping, which resonates with our own within our shared interests to make conference is enjoying the support of approaches. sure that the boat stays safely a oat on UN Secretary-General Antonio Russia, together with its partners and the waves of global politics. We are all Guterres and the leadership of the allies, supports strengthening of di erent, but this must not bar us from Inter-Parliamentary Union. mutually complementary network working for the bene t of our nations Today the signi cance of the alliances via the development of and all of humanity. It is the only way humanitarian, socio-economic, and integrative processes within the CIS, we may be able to ful l the honourable environmental dimensions of the UN EAEU, CSTO and SCO. President mission of the United Nations: to save work is increasing manifold. It is Vladimir Putin’s initiative to create a the current and future generations from essential to avoid the temptation to turn Greater Eurasian Partnership, which the scourge of war, hunger and disease, these spheres into yet another eld of would also engage ASEAN – the key and build a more peaceful, stable and geopolitical games and unfair actor de ning the norms of behaviour democratic future for all. competition. in Asia-Paci c – bears a positive COVID-19 is our common enemy. In impetus. In conclusion, I would like to propose a hashtag the interests of prompt li ing of In general, the regional aspect of the #UNCharterIsOurRules restrictions on international travel, we world’s development is gaining #НашиПравилаУставООН support mutual recognition of vaccines momentum. Much will depend on #CharteONUEstNosLois that have been approved by national whether we prove able to rechannel the #CartaONUesNstrReglas oversight bodies. growing rivalry between regions to a ‫اندعاوق_ وهةدحتملا_ مألاقاثيم‬# It is vitally important not to cease constructive track. Who is more e orts aimed at implementing the 2030 important – Europe or Asia? e Agenda for Sustainable Development. Indian or the Paci c Ocean? Will a We believe that the decisions adopted at “Latin American EU” be established? the recent UN Food Systems Summit will promote the achievement of the SDGs. We stand for strengthening the central role of the United Nations in building the environmental protection agenda on the basis of equality and respect for each other’s interests, including due account for relevant socio-economic realities. Otherwise it would be di cult 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 65Russian Digest

INTERNATIONAL TBREHXIUDPESOFSOI2AR0N30 The Russian Federation is willing to hold World Expo 2030 with a theme “Human Progress: a shared vision for a World of Harmony”, as Moscow seeks to inspire and navigate the global community in their search for a fair and sustainable world harmonizing humanity and nature. In this regard, we present a bid of Moscow to host this major exhibition. 66 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

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HUMANITARIAN RELATIONS Photo Source: ASE Rosatom MOSCOW COSSACK CHOIR VISITS DHAKA AND ROOPPUR Formed in 2013, the Moscow Cossack Choir is a prize-winner of various festivals and contests both in Russia and abroad. Their show performance is always like a stream of vibrant igniting energy full of traditional Cossack songs and dances as well as elements of combat, stunts with swords and saber trick riding. The ensemble’s concert program offers a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the world of Cossacks traditions expressed in their songs, culture and way of living, thus allowing the audience to profoundly explore the multifaceted and vast history of Russia. The Moscow Cossacks Choir has performed in France, Monaco, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Paraguay, Brazil, Vietnam, China, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kuwait, Latvia and India. As part of cultural exchange Moscow Cossack Choir visited Dhaka and Rooppur, where it presented an exiting program. 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 71Russian Digest

ere is no better way to explore and Russia in Bangladesh hosted a reception the leading Russian engineering understand other people’s culture than timed to the National Unity Day as well company under the umbrella of State witnessing it. Two long years of as the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Corporation “Rosatom”, which is COVID-19 pandemic as well as independence and the 100th birth implementing the “Rooppur” nuclear subsequent lockdowns and restrictions anniversary of its founder and the rst power plant (NPP) project in Bangla- on public gatherings made it di cult to leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. e desh. promote Russian culture abroad. program of the event included a concert However, as this global scourge of the Moscow Cossack Choir and the e Moscow Cossack Choir is a subsides, missions of the Russian exhibition of works of the international well-known folk ensemble that Federation in di erent countries photojournalism competition “Collec- combines Cossack singing and live resume their normal activities. tion of impressions: the best”, instrumental accompaniment. e On November 4, 2021, the Embassy of organized by JSC “Atomstroyexport”, performers dressed in traditional costumes mix combat-like elements 72 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

Photo Source: ASE Rosatom and sabre anking with stage dancing. and southern borders of the country to how to defend themselves from hostile e result is a unique show that allows organize themselves into the self-ruled neighbours. Eventually they became communities. By the 16th century two one of the most formidable military the viewers to embrace the traditions of large groups of those frontiersmen had force in Europe. e Russian Czars the Cossacks and feel the touch of the been formed. e rst was the Zaporo- hired the Don Cossacks to ght against richest culture of Russia. jie Cossacks who lived along the their enemies, to expand its territory in Dnieper River (today’s Ukraine). e Siberia and the Caucasus. e origins of the Cossacks are still the second was the Don Cossacks who lived In the 17th century, both groups of subject of hot debates. But most along the Don River (today’s Russia). Cossacks became a part of the Russian historians agree that the history of Living in the Wild Fields on their own Empire. As a military estate they Cossacks began in the 13th century and maintaining freedom was hard. enjoyed some privileges, for example a when people from central Russia, who certain degree of self-governance, the wanted to live free and independently, at is why the Cossacks had to learn started to run away towards the western 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 73Russian Digest

Photo Source: ASE Rosatom 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 74 Russian Digest

Smiling audience; Photo Source: ASE Rosatom right to own land and tax exemptions. command, including Hon’ble Speaker ey took photos with the members of When the Bolsheviks came to power in of Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin the choir, shared videos of the perfor- 1917, all estates in Russia were Chaudhury, Hon’ble Minister of mance in social media and expressed abolished and the Cossacks melted into Industries Mr Nurul Majid Mahmud their hope for further acquaintance the mass of the Soviet people. Humayun, Hon’ble Minister of with the Russian culture. Today we witness the revival of the Liberation War A airs Mr AKM On the next day the Moscow Cossack Cossacks as an ethnicity. In 2010, about Mozammel Haque, Hon’ble Minister of Choir le Dhaka to give the second 7 million people in Russia identi ed Railways Mr Md Nurul Islam Sujan, concert in Rooppur (Pabna District). themselves as the Cossacks. In a strict Hon’ble Ambassador-at-Large (with the Rooppur NPP, which is now under sense a Cossack is someone who can rank and status of a Minister) of the construction, will be the rst nuclear trace his ancestry back to the original Secretariat of the Prime Minister Mr power plant in the history of Bangla- inhabitants of the Dniepr and Don M.Ziauddin, Hon’ble State Minister of desh. e construction site is a place of riverbanks. But in a wider sense a Religious A airs Mr Md Faridul Haque employment for about 3000 Russian Cossack is anyone who is keen to Khan and Hon’ble Chairman of the citizens who were delighted to restore national traditions and preserve Election Commission Mr K.M.Nurul reconnect with their homeland by the heritage of the glorious ancestors. Huda, representatives of local military, listening to traditional Russian and A er a musical performance on 4 socio-political circles, business Cossack songs. November the members of the choir community and mass media. e Heads As Russian painter Ilya Repin once said: presented a papakha, a high fur hat, to of diplomatic missions and representa- “No people in the world held freedom, Zaidul Kabir, Secretary of Jatiya tions of the international organizations equality, and fraternity so deeply.” Samajtantrik Dal, as a symbol of his accredited in Dhaka also took part in initiation into the Cossack brother- the event. e concert received positive ere is no doubt that on November 4, hood. press and television coverage in 2021, at the Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh. Bangladesh, people of di erent e reception on November 4 was nationalities, cultures and religions attended by the representatives of e concert found enthusiastic embraced the Cossack spirit and found Bangladesh’s leadership and military response among the foreign guests. unity and peace. 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 75Russian Digest

HUMANITARIAN RELATIONS Gymnastics by Margarita Mamun; Photo Source: Shelter Ceramics Ltd, The Daily Observer, Sports Editor Moshiur Rahman OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS MARGARITA MAMUN VISITS BANGLADESH Margarita “Rita” Mamun-Sukhorukova is a former Russian individual rhythmic gymnast of Bangladeshi-Russian descent. She is the current record holder under the 20-point judging system with the highest all-around total of 77.150 points, which she scored at the 2016 Baku World Cup. At the 2016 Olympic Games, Margarita Mamun won the all-around gold with a total score of 76.483 points. Recently she has visited Bangladesh and had a wide range of social and career related interactions. 76 Russian Digest 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

Innaguration of Bangabandhu 5th central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2021 Exchanging pleasantries with H.E. Ambassador of the Russian Federation Hon'ble State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Md Shahriar Alam and Hon'ble Mr Alexander Mantytskiy; Photo Source: Shelter Ceramics Ltd, Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Mr Atiqul Islam with Margarita The Daily Observer, Sports Editor Moshiur Rahman Mamun, Olympic Champion in gymnastics Margarita Mamun is a prominent medal in 2016, Grand Prix Final Al Mamun, who comes from Rajshahi Russian gymnast, Olympic champion of All-around champion three times in (Bangladesh), received a Soviet Rio 2016. Due to her Bangladeshi 2015, 2014 and 2013, Russian National scholarship and went to Moscow in descent, she is also known under the All-around champion three times 2011, 1983 to study marine engineering. At nickname “Bengal Tigress”. Apart from 2012 and 2013. the age of 20, Margarita already was not Olympic gold, Margarita earned World only an Honoured Master of Sport in All-around silver medal twice in 2015 e pride of both Russia and Russia, but also a seven-time world and 2014, European Games All-around Bangladesh, Margarita Mamun was champion. She retired from competitive silver medal in 2015, European born in Moscow, Russia to a Russian career in rhythmic gymnastics in 2017. Championships All-around silver mother Anna, a former rhythmic On October 24-27, 2021, Margarita gymnast, and a Bengali father Abdullah 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 77Russian Digest

A day before the inauguration of the Bangabandhu 5th Central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics, timed to the Birth Centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Margarita inspired the Bangladeshi gymnasts by displaying her Olympics gold medal and some techniques. Photo Source: Shelter Ceramics Ltd, The Daily Observer, Sports Editor Moshiur Rahman visited Dhaka as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Bangabandhu Margarita Mamun, Olympic Champion in gymnastics is posing with the golden medal 5th Central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championship to 78 Russian Digest inspire participants of this competition, as well as all local gymnasts. She was hailed at the reception, organized in her honor by the President of Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation, the Vice Chairman of the Private Company Sheltech Ceramics Mr Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun. During the function, Mayor of North Dhaka City Corporation H.E. Mr Atiqul Islam presented a symbolic gi – a key to the city – to Margarita Mamun. 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations

Training by Margarita Mamun; Photo Source: Shelter Ceramics Ltd, The Daily Observer, Sports Editor Moshiur Rahman H.E. Mr Alexander Mantytskiy, cooperation, in particular, in the eld of gymnastics from her. On October 26, Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh, sports. 2021, Margarita Mamun took part in Military Attaché and other diplomats of A day before the inauguration of the the grand opening of the Bangabandhu the Embassy, attended the event. In Bangabandhu 5th Central South Asian 5th Central South Asian Artistic their welcoming speeches, H.E. Mr Md Artistic Gymnastics, timed to the Birth Gymnastics. Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, She gave numerous interviews where Foreign A airs of Bangladesh, and H.E. Margarita inspired the Bangladeshi she shared her impressions and Mr Atiqul Islam, Mayor of Dhaka gymnasts by displaying her Olympics promised to visit Bangladesh again and North City Corporation, who were gold medal and some techniques. e perform workshops for the gymnasts. present at the event, expressed their participants of the six nation Margarita also vowed to work towards hope for the development of the competition had an opportunity to ensuring gender equality in Bangladesh. Russian-Bangladeshi humanitarian receive a workshop in rhythmic 1972-2022 | Russia-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations 79Russian Digest

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VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY IN BANGLADESH TO DOWNLOAD THE DIGITAL VERSION OF RD AND FOR MUCH MORE bangladesh.mid.ru rusembdhaka RussEmbDhaka Russian Digest, January 2022 Made by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Address: House NE(J)9, Road 79, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212 Tel.: (88) 022222-800-11, Fax: (88) 022222-632-85, e-mail: [email protected] For noncommercial purpose only. The content of Russian Digest does not necessarily express views of the editors and of the Russian Embassy. Printed by: Lynx-Ad- Events & Communications 18/4/ A Zigatola, Moneshar Road, Hazaribag, Dhaka 1209 Mail: [email protected] Ph: 01812656961 Production and Development : Asad Zaman Editing : Alvia Zaman Shristy Creative Solutions : Sk. Yeahhia