Russian envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses election, humanitarian corridor

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Mantytskiy met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday to discuss various bilateral issues, including Bangladesh's upcoming election and the proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar's Rakhine State, reports UNB.

The hour-long meeting, which began at 11:00 am, was held at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan.

BNP Standing Committee member and Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaed were also present.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said they discussed a range of issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

He stated that Russia is keen to strengthen its relations with Bangladesh—ties that date back to the country's Liberation War in 1971.

"They (Russia) have expressed interest in advancing this relationship in several areas, including investment and increased trade with Bangladesh," the BNP leader said.

He also mentioned that Bangladesh's upcoming national election was among the topics discussed. "They (Russia) wanted to know how soon the elections might be held."

Khosru noted that not only Russia, but most foreign countries are waiting to see an elected government in Bangladesh formed through a credible election.

"Foreign governments feel more comfortable working with an elected administration, as it facilitates decision-making on various medium- and long-term issues," he said.

The BNP leader added that the interim government's decision to allow a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar's Rakhine State was also discussed during the meeting.

"We talked about it because there are widespread concerns. Everyone wants to see stability in the region. No one wants geopolitical instability, as it would affect the entire region. An unstable region would not benefit anyone—not just Bangladesh, but neighboring countries as well," he said.

Khosru further stated that energy cooperation was also discussed, considering Russia is an energy-rich country.

He highlighted some of the challenges in enhancing trade between Bangladesh and Russia, including limited market access, complex trade procedures, and banking transaction issues. "We raised these concerns, and they said they would look into them."

He also confirmed that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project was discussed, noting that Russia remains committed to completing the project, as it is already deeply involved.