Yuri Gagarin bust unveiled at Dhaka science museum

A ceremonial unveiling of a bust of Yuri Gagarin was held at the National Museum of Science and Technology yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of the first human flight into space and the International Day of Human Space Flight.

The event was jointly organised by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, the Russian Society of Friendship with Bangladesh, and the Russian House in Dhaka in collaboration with the National Museum of Science and Technology.

The programme celebrated the enduring legacy of Gagarin, who on April 12, 1961, became the first human to travel into space, opening what organisers described as “the gates of the cosmos” to humanity.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Ms Alexandra Khlevnoy, director of the Russian House in Dhaka. In her opening remarks, she described space exploration as a bridge that connects people beyond geographical and linguistic boundaries.

She said the installation of the monument would serve as a lasting symbol of friendship between Russia and Bangladesh.

Delivering the keynote address, Alexander Khozin reflected on Gagarin’s courage and the global significance of his mission.

“Yuri Gagarin’s flight was an achievement for the whole of mankind,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted Russia’s support for developing nations in the field of space exploration and expressed hope that a Bangladeshi citizen would one day follow in Gagarin’s footsteps.

Sattar Mia, president of the Russian Society of Friendship with Bangladesh and sponsor of the bust, said the monument symbolises a growing partnership in science and education between the two countries.

Similar views were echoed by Munira Sultana and Moshurul Amin, who highlighted the exhibit’s inspirational value for the country’s youth.

A major highlight of the event was a speech by Ms A Laheri, a Bangladeshi student who recently received a Russian government scholarship to study astronomy in Russia. She shared her aspirations to contribute to Bangladesh’s scientific future through advanced education and research.

The official unveiling was followed by a cultural programme performed by students of the Russian Embassy School, featuring scientific presentations, English poetry recitations and a rendition of “Trava u Doma” (Grass Near the House), the traditional anthem of Russian cosmonauts.

The event also featured a space-themed art exhibition showcasing drawings by Russian and Bangladeshi children, distribution of commemorative “ForeverFirst” T-shirts and souvenir gift bags, and a special screening of short films from the Tsiolkovsky International Space Film Festival.

Organisers said the installation of the Yuri Gagarin bust at the museum would stand as a new landmark in Dhaka, inspiring future generations of Bangladeshi scientists, pilots and dreamers to look toward the stars.