DE News Desk :
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander V. Mantytskiy held a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election and the proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The meeting, which lasted about an hour, took place at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office and was also attended by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Amir Khosru said discussions spanned trade, investment, energy cooperation, and regional geopolitical developments.
“Russia has historic ties with Bangladesh dating back to the Liberation War. They are interested in deepening that relationship through increased trade and investment,” Khosru said.
One of the central topics was Bangladesh’s next general election.
“They [Russia] inquired about the possible timeline for the polls,” he said, adding that like many other international stakeholders, Russia is eager to see a democratically elected government emerge through a credible process.
“Foreign governments find it easier to engage on key issues when there is a legitimate and representative administration in place,” Khosru noted.
The conversation also included the interim government’s recent decision to allow a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
“Everyone is concerned about the impact of instability in the region. Any escalation or unrest could have far-reaching consequences—not just for Bangladesh but for regional security as a whole,” he added.
Energy cooperation was another point of interest, given Russia’s vast energy resources.
Khosru said the two sides explored the potential for collaboration in this sector, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing involvement in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.In terms of trade, Khosru said several obstacles were identified, including issues related to market access, banking transactions, and trade facilitation.
“We raised these concerns, and the Russian side assured us they would look into resolving them.”
Russia reiterated its commitment to completing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, reflecting its long-term engagement with Bangladesh’s infrastructure development.