Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky has categorically dismissed the allegations made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), affirming on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) that the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was democratically elected by the citizens of Bangladesh. This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s claim. Gayeshwar had controversially stated that the current government was not chosen by the Bangladeshi people but was instead “installed by foreign powers,” specifically naming India, China, and Russia. The Russian Ambassador emphasized that a significant 41 percent of the electorate participated in the last national election. He further asserted that Russia maintains a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. Russian Ambassador hopes Dhaka-Moscow relations will continue to thrive The ambassador’s remarks followed his meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, where they discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest. On Sunday, the Foreign Minister said the current government is a “people’s government elected by their votes.” “It is a government elected by the people of Bangladesh,” he said when a reporter drew his attention to BNP’s remarks regarding the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Foreign Minister also highlighted Bangladesh’s foreign policy ethos of “friendship to all, malice towards none,” underscoring the nation’s strong diplomatic ties globally, excluding Israel. “We maintain excellent relationships with major world powers including India, China, Russia, the US, UK, and the European Union, and enjoy good relations with all countries,” he added, further reinforcing the government’s international standing. Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Mantytskyi, has expressed his country’s keen interest in exporting wheat to Bangladesh. This intention was conveyed today (January 18, 2024) during a courtesy visit to Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder at his office. The meeting, which also included Secretary to the Food Ministry, Ismail Hossain; Director General of the Food Department, Shakhawat Hossain, and other high-ranking officials, served as a platform to discuss a range of issues. Key topics included the progress of Bangladesh’s economy, potential expansion of trade and business relations between the two countries, and wheat export from Russia. Import 300,000 metric tons of wheat from Russia gets cabinet body’s nod Food Minister Sadhan Chandra expressed his gratitude towards the Russian ambassador for the proposal and recognized Russia as a significant development ally of Bangladesh. The discussions highlighted the mutual benefits and opportunities that enhanced trade and investment ties could bring to both nations. Ambassador Mantytskyi underscored the substantial potential for trade and investment that exists between Bangladesh and Russia. He emphasized his government’s readiness to contribute to Bangladesh’s food security goals by capitalizing on these trade opportunities. Discussions underway on possibility of supplying LNG, wheat, fertilisers from Russia: Lavrov The proposed wheat export from Russia to Bangladesh marks a significant step in strengthening the economic and trade relations between the two countries. It reflects Russia’s willingness to play a constructive role in supporting Bangladesh’s ongoing development and food security initiatives.

Laying emphasis on expanding the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought Russian investment in Bangladesh’s jute sector. Sheikh Hasina said this when newly-appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy met her at her official residence Ganobhaban. Read: Hasina seeks Russia’s support for building 2nd nuke plant PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. He said both agreed to explore potential in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector and expand cooperation in other areas. Hasina highly appreciated Russia’s cooperation with Bangladesh in its various sectors, particularly the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. She recalled the cooperation and assistance of the then Soviet Union during the Liberation War of Bangladesh and after its independence. The Prime Minister mentioned that many students had studied in Russia, especially in its medical colleges, and said those who had helped Bangladesh during its trying time have special places in the hearts of the people of this country. She also said Bangladesh will be happy to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin here if he visits Bangladesh. Read: Looking for a place for Bangladesh’s second nuke plant: Hasina

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday said a letter is being sent to Russia to get Covid-19 vaccine.