Russia Day in Dhaka: Past, power and performance

In a world teetering on the edge — where air raid sirens scream in one corner and global powers bristle over nuclear tensions in another — the very word 'nuclear' often feels like a trigger. 

It conjures images of mushroom clouds, threats, and devastation. So, sitting in a room filled with celebration and optimism, hearing a completely different take on "nuclear" felt… like a breath of fresh air.

I had the chance to chat with His Excellency Alexander Mantytskiy Khozin, the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, during the festivities marking Russia Day and 80 years of the Russian nuclear industry. And let me tell you, his perspective was surprisingly reassuring and liberating.

"There's absolutely nothing negative about Bangladesh building a nuclear power plant — only positives," he said with a calm certainty. At a time when "nuclear" feels like a dirty word, Ambassador Khozin was quick to remind us that for Bangladesh, it is not about weapons. It is about progress, self-sufficiency, and powering the future.

"This is civil nuclear energy," he explained. "Once Rooppur's two reactors are constructed and functional, they'll power 10% of the national grid. That's fantastic!"

In a world obsessed with destruction, it was refreshing to talk about nuclear as a force for growth—not fear. 

But that was not the only reason I found myself at the Russian Club inside the Russian Embassy premises on the evening of 15 June. What truly drew me in was the rich display of Russian culture and tradition — a curated selection of historic artworks by various artists, paired with a vibrant hour-long live performance of music and dance. 

For someone like me, witnessing such an expressive showcase of Russian art for the first time was nothing short of exhilarating.

As guests and dignitaries arrived at the venue, their eyes were immediately drawn to the striking reconstructed paintings on display. The exhibition offered a compelling journey through Russian history, presenting faithful reproductions of iconic artworks that span from the nation's early beginnings to its modern era. 

These pieces vividly depict pivotal cultural and historical events — glorious battles, daily rural life, spiritual reflections, and acts of heroism. From majestic portraits to moving everyday scenes, each artwork embodies Russia's resilient spirit, inviting viewers to reflect, remember, and engage with its enduring legacy.

The first artwork you would lay your eyes upon would be Pavel Korin's powerful triptych "Alexander Nevsky," portraying the legendary commander who defeated German knights in the 13th century. 

With a holy banner behind him, Nevsky symbolises divine support and resistance to Western aggression. His mythic image stands alongside Russia's great heroes, highlighting national strength and historical pride.

Ivan Shishkin's 'Morning in a Pine Forest' presents a peaceful woodland scene, where bear cubs play among sun-dappled trees, rendered with exquisite detail and a delicate balance of light and shadow that evokes serenity. 

In contrast, portraits such as Ivan Argunov's 'Unknown Peasant in a Russian Dress' showcase cultural identity and quiet dignity through intricate costume detailing and warm, glowing tones. 

Historical themes surface powerfully in dramatic works like 'Tsar Ivan the Terrible,' which conveys the ruler's intense presence through moody palettes and textured depth. 

Mikhail Nesterov's 'Portrait of Sculptor Vera Mukhina' captures the inner world of artistic creation, portraying Mukhina in quiet concentration as she sculpts, her form alive with energy and purpose. 

The evening's festivities then moved into the auditorium, where guests took their seats for the next segment. Following welcome speeches from the Ambassador and the event's chief guest, the audience was treated to an hour-long showcase of Russian heritage and culture. The performances, delivered by the Moscow Russian Song Ensemble, featured traditional Russian songs reimagined with a contemporary flair. 

Some of the songs performed during the evening traced their origins back centuries. When asked about their meanings, Ambassador Khozin explained that while certain lyrics and themes could be translated, much of their true essence defies translation and must be experienced in its original form to be fully understood. 

"Had these songs been performed a hundred years ago, the singers and dancers would've approached them very differently. Tonight, they added a modern touch," he noted. 

Although it wasn't entirely clear what those modern elements were—since the performances remained deeply rooted in tradition—they were presented with live vocals and choreographed dance routines set against backing tracks. 

"We have made adjustments for incorporating modern instruments and made changes to the rhythm that blends well with the dance steps so that the entire experience does not seem boring for a live audience," His Honourable Excellency added.

There were around nine performers, with four of them having vocal responsibilities as well. The harmonising vocals covering both high and low pitches in synchronicity during the songs added a very "surround sound" feel to the entire experience.

The traditional outfits the performers donned, most of them date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The colours were bold and vibrant—very Russian. For one segment, the performers' outfits bore a colour combination of red, white and blue—the colours of the Russian flag.

Throughout the performances, visual imagery played continuously in the background, offering added cultural and historical context to the audience. 

Despite subtle contemporary nuances, the ensemble maintained a strong sense of cultural authenticity, allowing the audience to experience a bridge between Russia's rich folk heritage and today's artistic expression.