In a heartfelt farewell reception at the Russian Club in Dhaka, Ambassador Alexander V. Mantytskiy, who has represented the Russian Federation in Bangladesh for over three years, reflected on his impactful tenure. As he prepares to depart, Mantytskiy leaves behind a legacy of strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations, marked by significant diplomatic, economic, and cultural achievements. His efforts, particularly in advancing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project and fostering educational exchanges, have cemented Russia’s role as a key partner in Bangladesh’s development journey.
The reception held at the Russian Club in Gulshan-2, Dhaka, His Excellency Alexander V. Mantytskiy, the outgoing Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bangladesh, reflected on his three-year tenure, emphasizing the deepening of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. The event, which took place on October 10, gathered diplomats, government officials, and well-wishers who came to bid the ambassador farewell as he concluded his mission in Bangladesh.
In his speech, Ambassador Mantytskiy expressed his sincere gratitude for the friendships and collaborations he fostered during his time in Dhaka, describing his years in Bangladesh as “remarkable and memorable, full of long-lasting achievements.” He also highlighted the various milestones in the bilateral relationship, underscoring the importance of these developments in strengthening ties between Russia and Bangladesh.
The ambassador opened his remarks by warmly welcoming his guests, saying:
“Good evening and welcome to the Russian Embassy in Dhaka. As my tenure as Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh comes to an end, it gives me immense pleasure to host such dear friends and well-wishers of Russia. I have had the privilege of representing my country here for more than three years, a period that has been truly remarkable and full of long-lasting achievements and meaningful encounters. During these years, we have witnessed transformative events in both our countries, and I am proud to say that our traditionally friendly relations and fruitful cooperation have continued to thrive for the benefit of our peoples.”
Ambassador Mantytskiy went on to detail several key milestones during his tenure.
“During my time in Dhaka, we have witnessed significant developments that reflect the multifaceted nature of the ties between our two countries. The year 2023, in particular, saw the historic first visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Bangladesh and a goodwill visit of the Russian Pacific Fleet to the port of Chattogram”.
The ambassador also spoke with pride about the progress made on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project, implemented with the assistance of the Russian state nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
“Our flagship project, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, has advanced significantly. With the delivery of fresh nuclear fuel to the construction site last year, we now anticipate the commissioning of the first power unit.
Additionally, through extensive exploration and gas well drilling, Russian company Gazprom has proven to be a reliable partner in Bangladesh’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency”.
He further highlighted Russia’s role in ensuring food security for Bangladesh.
“Russia remains one of the key suppliers of agricultural products to Bangladesh, particularly wheat and fertilizers. In 2023 alone, Russia exported 2.7 million tons of grain to Bangladesh, marking a substantial contribution to the nation’s agricultural needs”.
Ambassador Mantytskiy also took note of the growing people-to-people exchanges between Russia and Bangladesh.
“Our people-to-people contacts continue to grow. It is heartening to see more Bangladeshi students going to Russia to pursue higher education, both through government scholarships and private arrangements. The Russian House in Dhaka has been a hub for those passionate about Russian language, culture, and the arts, organizing numerous activities to nurture this cultural exchange”.
In closing, the ambassador expressed his deep appreciation to all those who had supported him during his stay in Bangladesh.
“I thank you all for your friendship, cooperation, bright ideas, and helpful initiatives throughout my tenure. These years will remain etched in my memory forever”.
Appointed on May 19, 2021, as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Bangladesh, Ambassador Mantytskiy ended his farewell speech by declaring: “Long live Russia-Bangladesh friendship!”
During his time in Dhaka, Ambassador Mantytskiy played a pivotal role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Russia, particularly in advancing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s energy future. His leadership also paved the way for enhanced cooperation in energy, agriculture, and education, ensuring that Russia remains a vital partner in Bangladesh’s development.
Additionally, Ambassador Mantytskiy established close relations with local media, resulting in increased coverage of Russian affairs in the Bangladeshi press. This included significant contributions to Weekly Blitz, one of the country’s most influential newspapers, which maintains syndication agreements with over 750 newspapers and news agencies worldwide.
As Ambassador Mantytskiy departs, it is hoped that the strong foundation he has built will continue to elevate the relationship between Bangladesh and Russia to new heights in the coming years.
As Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy bids farewell to Bangladesh, his departure signifies the end of a productive era in Russian-Bangladeshi relations. His tenure will be remembered for forging stronger bonds between the two countries in critical areas such as energy, agriculture, and education. While Mantytskiy’s chapter in Dhaka closes, the legacy of collaboration he has nurtured will continue to thrive, with both nations looking forward to even deeper ties in the future. His farewell words, “Long live Russia-Bangladesh friendship”, resonate as a hopeful promise of continued partnership.