Russian House holds tree plantation event in Dhaka
Commemorating wartime memory and advancing environmental stewardship, the Russian House in Dhaka organised a 'Garden of Memory' tree-planting ceremony at Dhanmondi Lake on 24 April, uniting diplomats, officials, students, and residents.
'Garden of Memory' is a global memorial initiative launched in Russia to honour those who perished during the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945). Each year, trees are planted in Russia and abroad to commemorate war victims and champion environmental sustainability.
Notable attendees included Vyacheslav Sentyurin, minister-counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Bangladesh; Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam, administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation; Alexandra Khlevnoy, director of Russian House in Dhaka; and Sirajul Islam, general secretary of the Soviet Alumni Association Bangladesh.
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The programme began with a visit to the Russian House, followed by the official lakeside ceremony.
In her opening remarks, Alexandra Khlevnoy stressed the value of preserving historical memory and deepening humanitarian ties through cross-generational, international projects.
Vyacheslav Sentyurin reflected on the historical importance of 9 May 1945, noting the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War came at the cost of an estimated 27 million lives.
He added that the Soviet people played a decisive role in defeating Nazism and that Victory Day remains personally meaningful, as nearly every family was touched by the war.
Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam praised the initiative and highlighted Bangladesh's dedication to environmental sustainability. He mentioned that the government aims to plant 250 million trees over five years to combat climate change and foster a greener future.
He also said that the Dhaka South City Corporation plans to plant 300,000 trees between 2026 and 2030 to further expand urban green spaces.
Speakers noted that 'Garden of Memory' stands not only as a tribute to World War II heroes but also as a symbol of Bangladesh–Russia friendship.
Guests planted saplings at Dhanmondi Lake as part of the global initiative.
The event concluded with a reception at the Russian House in Dhaka.
