The Russian embassy in Bangladesh has celebrated the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War through commemorative events, cultural performances and a motorcycle rally in the capital, honouring veterans and the historic defeat of Nazi Germany.

The embassy organised the events on Saturday, bringing together diplomats, students, teachers, compatriots and graduates of Soviet and Russian universities, said a press release on Sunday.

Students of the embassy school, along with their teachers, presented a commemorative concert featuring dances, songs and poetry recitations dedicated to the Great Patriotic War.

Russian ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin thanked the students and teachers for their respect toward Russia’s history and for their dedication in preparing for the performance over several months.

The celebration also featured patriotic events, including the ‘Candle of Memory’ and the ‘Garden of Memory’, which have become long-standing traditions at the embassy over the years.

To honour veterans, embassy staff and their family members arranged the ‘Immortal Regiment’ exhibition, offering participants an opportunity to share family stories connected to the war.

As part of the celebrations, a motorcycle and car rally was held on the streets of Gulshan, drawing participation from embassy staff, members of the Russian House, teachers, students, compatriots and alumni.

Among others, ambassador Khozin, director of the Russian House Alexandra Khlevnoy, chairperson of the Compatriots Association ‘Rodina’ Elena Bass, head of the Soviet Alumni Association Mizanur Rahman and chairman of the Liberation War Academy Trust Abul Azad addressed the participants.

The embassy said the motorcycle rally has become a unique annual tradition in Dhaka, uniting people interested in Russian history and paying tribute to those who contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.