Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin has described Bangladesh as a prominent and influential voice of the “Global South,” emphasising its growing significance on the world stage.
In a message on Wednesday, ahead of Independence and National Day, Alexander Khozin reflected on Bangladesh’s journey to sovereignty and its recent development achievements.
He noted that the struggles under British colonial rule, particularly the divide-and-rule policies, set the stage for the 1971 independence movement, which united the Bengali people in pursuit of a sovereign state.
Highlighting the drivers of this struggle, the ambassador pointed to the nation’s deep attachment to language and culture, as well as the desire for self-determination.
Alexander Khozin praised Bangladesh’s economic and industrial progress, especially its leadership in the textile sector, and commended the country for maintaining strong growth even amid global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also celebrated Bangladesh’s cultural and natural heritage, including the Sundarbans and traditional rickshaw art, which have earned international recognition.
The ambassador acknowledged Bangladesh’s contributions to global peace, citing the deployment of more than 2 lakh personnel in UN peacekeeping missions.
He recalled the historic ties between the two nations, noting that the Soviet Union was among the first to recognise Bangladesh in January 1972 and that Soviet experts assisted in early post-independence reconstruction, including mine-clearance operations at Chattogram Port.
Alexander Khozin concluded by highlighting ongoing joint projects and expressed confidence that bilateral relations will grow stronger under the current government, delivering broader benefits to the peoples of both countries.