Russian House in Dhaka on Thursday hosted a special press meet, flag-in ceremony and photo exhibition for celebrating the successful completion of “Ashes & Ice: The Dormant Giant Expedition 2026”, the Bangladesh–Russia Friendship Expedition to Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russia and Europe.

The event brought together  guests and representatives of the organising and supporting organisations. The press conference was led by Mr. Enam Ul Haque, Founder of the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC).

Ikramul Hasan Shakil, the Bangladeshi mountaineer who successfully reached the summit of Mount Elbrus on 26 September 2026, shared his expedition experiences through a presentation and a special video documenting the journey.

He recounted the challenges and memorable moments of the expedition. Despite heavy snowfall, freezing winds and poor visibility, he and his fellow mountaineers successfully reached the summit. During his presentation, Shakil expressed his sincere gratitude to Russian House in Dhaka for its support and cooperation throughout the expedition.

One of the most memorable and emotional moments of the event was the formal handover of the Bangladesh National Flag that had been carried to the summit of Mount Elbrus, marking a remarkable achievement in the country's mountaineering history.

A major highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of a dedicated photo exhibition at the gallery of Russian House in Dhaka.

Alexandra A. Khlevnoy, Director of Russian House in Dhaka, joined the distinguished guests and mountaineer Shakil in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate the exhibition. Following the inauguration, guests explored the photographs documenting the expedition and had the opportunity to witness rare and memorable moments from this challenging journey.

This successful mountaineering expedition stands as a testament to determination, courage, perseverance and international friendship. Through shared achievements and mutual cooperation, the expedition represents another meaningful step towards further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship between Bangladesh and Russia.