Bangladesh-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group meets Russian Ambassador

The Bangladesh-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group has formally begun work to strengthen bilateral cooperation in parliamentary affairs and capacity building. Alongside traditional and official diplomacy, the group has been established to strengthen the relationship between lawmakers of the two countries through parliamentary diplomacy and professional exchanges.

On Thursday evening, a delegation from the Bangladesh-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group held a courtesy meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Dhaka, Alexander Khozin. The meeting saw fruitful, positive discussions on key aspects of the multifaceted strategic bilateral relationship and multilateral cooperation.

Chairman of the Friendship Group, BNP Vice Chairman and former minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury MP, recalled with deep respect the historic bond between the two nations. He said Russia has remained one of Bangladesh's most important and tested development partners since the Great Liberation War of 1971. Over time, this historic bilateral relationship has evolved into a strong and trusted partnership.

He further noted the need to continue joint and coordinated activities in agriculture, education, technology, nuclear science, food security, the energy sector, and, above all, to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations. He said Bangladesh has historically and deeply believed in the foreign policy of "friendship to all, malice towards none." He expressed hope that coordination among the new generation and joint initiatives under a new framework would make the Dhaka-Moscow bilateral partnership deeper and more dynamic in the days ahead.

Russian Ambassador to Dhaka Alexander Khozin warmly welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation and assured full cooperation between the two countries. He said Russia would extend all forms of cooperation for any positive initiative aimed at developing parliamentary relations between the two countries, exchanging experience among lawmakers, and building mutual capacity. He expressed confidence that this joint engagement between members of parliament from both countries would elevate existing trade, economic, and diplomatic ties to new heights.

Mia Sattar, President of the Russian Friendship Society with Bangladesh, identified matters of mutual interest as the foundation of the bilateral relationship. He remarked that "mutual benefit" is the real basis of any sustainable, long-term bilateral relationship. He urged that the relationship between the two friendly nations be further strengthened through public diplomacy and social coordination. He said the Bangladesh-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group, built on shared interests and mutual benefit, would play a direct role in increasing trust and reliance between the peoples of the two countries.

Members of parliament present at the meeting, led by Friendship Group Chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury MP, included Khairul Kabir Khokon, Syed Al Noman, Saiful Alam, Atiqur Rahman Mujahid, and Zeba Amin Khan. Also present, as part of institutional and diplomatic protocol coordination, was S.M. Mahbubul Alam, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Eastern Europe and CIS Wing.

Alongside Dhaka, a "Group of Deputies" — a parliamentary friendship group led by a Muslim member of parliament — has also been formed in the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, to improve relations with Bangladesh. Work is continuing there to consolidate good relations between the two countries at the international and public diplomacy levels. This robust development in parliamentary diplomacy is expected to further strengthen the strategic positions of both countries in various international forums.

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Long-Term Antidote to the Energy Crisis: Master Plan and the Gazprom Context

Dr. Barek Kaiser, Dhaka September 3, 2026.

Dhaka Gate News | Daily Engage Bangladesh (Global Online Distributor)

For the past nine years, domestic gas production in Bangladesh has been steadily declining. Compounded by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and global geopolitical instability, importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has become increasingly difficult. Meeting the exorbitant costs of imported gas is exerting severe pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and the broader economy. Due to acute gas shortages, a major portion of the country's power plants remains shut down, resulting in widespread load-shedding exceeding 3,500 megawatts. This energy crisis has adversely impacted everyday life as well as the readymade garment (RMG), textile, and heavy industrial sectors. Numerous factories have been forced to close, and operating generators to maintain production has significantly escalated operational costs. To achieve a permanent solution to this multi-faceted crisis, experts are urging a shift away from import dependency toward domestic gas exploration. In these challenging times, the technical capabilities of Russia’s state-owned energy giant, Gazprom, could serve as a decisive catalyst in overcoming Bangladesh’s energy crisis.

Since 2012, Gazprom has contributed as a partner to Petrobangla and BAPEX in addressing Bangladesh's energy shortage. Over the past decade, the company has successfully designed and drilled approximately 20 appraisal, exploration, and production wells across onshore gas fields in the country. This successful drilling significantly increased gas supply to the national grid, directly contributing an additional 10 percent to the nation's total gas production at the time.

Gazprom achieved particularly notable success in the Bhola gas field. In 2023, Gazprom’s successful exploration led to the discovery of the Ilisha-1 well, which was recognized as the country’s 29th gas field. This well has created immense potential for commercial production of over 20 million cubic feet of gas per day. Additionally, Gazprom completed successful drilling operations at the Tobgi-1 and Bhola North-2 wells in the Shahbazpur and Bhola North areas, paving the way for large-scale gas extraction.

According to Gazprom’s proprietary surveys, Bhola holds approximately 7 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas reserves, which could fulfill Bangladesh's total gas demand for the next seven years. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAPEX, Gazprom conducted this survey and pinpointed 19 new well locations in Bhola. Beyond the Bhola mainland, they have identified 30 additional new wells in Hatiya, Char Fasson, and Manpura, offering a beacon of hope for the country’s long-term energy security.

Gazprom has presented viable proposals to supply this vast reserve of Bhola gas to the national grid. As a short-term solution, they proposed supplying 20 to 50 million cubic feet of gas via small-scale LNG, and as a long-term strategy, constructing a Bhola–Barishal pipeline. Currently, they are working to conduct a comprehensive reserve assessment of the Bhola gas fields and drill 14 new wells. Once successful, Bhola’s gas can be integrated into the national grid across the Barishal and Khulna mainlands.

Due to workforce and rig constraints at BAPEX, the state-owned exploration agency was unable to drill multiple wells simultaneously. Gazprom bridged this gap using modern international technology and fast-track execution capabilities. Currently, BAPEX and Gazprom have signed agreements to conduct joint 2D and 3D seismic surveys in the Bhola gas fields, facilitating accurate determination of underground gas reserves and precise locations. Furthermore, Gazprom has agreed to provide technical support to Petrobangla in formulating a Strategic Gas Sector Master Plan for the sustainable development of the country's energy sector.

Gazprom’s vision extends beyond onshore gas fields. The company has expressed strong interest in forming strategic joint ventures with Bangladesh for oil and gas exploration in the rugged mountainous regions of Chittagong and the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal. Despite Bangladesh possessing vast maritime territories in the Bay of Bengal, offshore exploration has remained stalled for years. Technical and technological support from an experienced international entity like Gazprom could inject fresh momentum into our offshore gas exploration.

The current severe gas and power shortages prove that over-reliance on high-priced imported LNG cannot guarantee long-term energy security. To safeguard national sovereignty and sustain economic growth, there is no alternative to exploring and extracting domestic gas reserves. Expanding strategic cooperation with experienced and trusted international partners like Gazprom can enable Bangladesh to recover rapidly from this crisis. The government should prioritize bringing Bhola’s gas to the mainland while giving serious consideration to Gazprom’s proposed joint exploration opportunities in offshore and mountainous regions.

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka issued a clarification regarding inaccurate media reports concerning Bangladesh–Russia bilateral trade and joint energy projects. In a statement released on August 19 via the official pages of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Dhaka, it was highlighted that: "Since 2012, Gazprom has successfully drilled over 20 wells in Bhola and other locations, enhancing gas supply to the national grid. The embassy urges the media to publish objective and fact-based news regarding overall bilateral cooperation, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant."

Author: Academic and Independent Journalist

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Bangladesh–Russia Food Security Partnership: Misinformation vs. Reality

Dr. Barek Kaiser, Dhaka September 3, 2026.

Dhaka Gate News | Daily Engage Bangladesh (Global Online Distributor)

Amid complex global geopolitical tensions, widespread supply chain volatility, and the severe impacts of climate change threatening global food security, Russia has emerged as the most stable and reliable partner for Bangladesh’s agricultural and food sectors. Over the past five years—despite global crises, pandemics, international grain import bottlenecks, and intense pressure from economic sanctions—bilateral trade and agricultural relations between the two nations have reached new heights. From delivering emergency food grains without prior formal agreements during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to recently offering fertilizers below market rates and donating potash, Moscow's role in strengthening Bangladesh's agricultural economy remains crystal clear.

Recently, false and misleading claims surfaced regarding the Bangladesh–Russia wheat trade. In response, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka issued a formal clarification. On August 19, official statements published on the official pages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Russian Embassy in Dhaka set the record straight. The statements affirmed that wheat trade between Russia and Bangladesh is conducted with absolute transparency and strictly adheres to international phytosanitary standards. All contractual terms are fulfilled under direct government-level supervision, leaving no room for third-party interference. Furthermore, shipments are accepted at Chittagong Port only after rigorous quality inspections; therefore, claims of low-quality wheat are entirely baseless. The embassy also called upon the media to uphold professionalism by reporting news objectively and factually.

Historical data confirms that Russia has consistently stood by Bangladesh during critical moments. In 2020–21, when global supply chains broke down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia dispatched emergency wheat to Bangladesh without demanding an advance contract. Subsequently, bilateral agreements ensured a minimum standard of 12 percent protein content, stabilizing regular supplies. Since 2024, Russia’s overall grain exports have increased by 12 percent, reaching 30.8 million tons. Notably, during the 2023–24 agricultural year, Russia exported a record 3.8 million tons of wheat to Bangladesh—nearly 1.8 times more than the previous year. Despite soaring food prices in the global market, Russia supplied high-quality wheat at affordable rates.

Beyond food grains, Russia's contribution to chemical fertilizer supplies—the primary engine of Bangladesh's agricultural production—has transformed into a strategic partnership. On January 19, 2026, under the auspices of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Russian fertilizer producer Uralchem handed over 30,000 metric tons of MOP potash fertilizer to Bangladesh as a gift. Additionally, to lower crop production costs, Russia recently proposed supplying approximately 280,000 metric tons of Urea fertilizer at a discount of $10 per metric ton below international market prices. Alongside fertilizers, new joint discussions and agreements have been finalized for the supply of sunflower oil, pulses, and other essential food commodities.

Following the Ukraine conflict, US-led Western economic sanctions and the exclusion of Russian banks from the international SWIFT banking system introduced major financial hurdles. Nevertheless, Dhaka and Moscow are actively pursuing alternative payment mechanisms to secure continuous food and fertilizer imports. Settling bilateral trade through local currencies or regional banking frameworks will ensure that future food and fertilizer imports remain entirely crisis-free.

Consolidating national food security necessitates sourcing grains from tested and reliable partners. An accurate analysis of the facts confirms that transparent trade and long-term agricultural cooperation with Russia offer a sustainable path forward for Bangladesh. Rising above propaganda and misinformation to sustain bilateral commercial ties is ultimately in the best interest of the country's food security.

Author: Academic and Independent Journalist

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Spike in Vigilante Violence: 32 Killed in May Across Bangladesh

DHAKA — At least 32 people lost their lives to mob violence across Bangladesh in May 2026, marking the highest monthly death toll in half a year.

Data released by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) highlights a severe breakdown in public security, with citizens increasingly bypassing legal channels to enact vigilante justice.

Key Violence Indicators (May 2026)

 Fatalities: 32 deaths (up from 21 in April).

 Injuries: 71 people critically hurt.

 Incidents: 69 separate mob attacks recorded nationwide.

 Preceding Trends: 19 deaths in March, 18 in February, and 21 in January.

Of those killed in May, 14 individuals were targeted over theft allegations, four died during public altercations, two over robbery accusations, and two following allegations of sexual assault. MSF noted that even law enforcement personnel faced mob attacks during the month, though 35 injured victims were successfully rescued and handed over to police custody.

Government Response Stalls

The surge in casualties persists despite direct warnings from Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who recently reiterated that mob justice will not be tolerated. During a Police Week event on May 10, the minister stated the government is prepared to amend existing laws or draft new legislation to curb the practice.

However, MSF Founding President Advocate Sultana Kamal warned that the continuing upward trend has turned public safety into a matter of "serious concern."

Sharp Rise in Crimes Against Women and Children

The MSF monthly report also flagged an alarming escalation in gender-based and child-directed violence, documenting 326 total incidents in May.

Rape Cases: Increased by 40% month-on-month to 70 incidents.

Gang Rapes: Climbed to 16 recorded cases.

Rape-Murders: Rose to six incidents, up from two in April.

The rights group specifically highlighted the recent rape, murder, and decapitation of eight-year-old Ramisa. While praising law enforcement for swift arrests in that specific case, MSF demanded impartial, accelerated trials for all victims of sexual violence.

Custodial and Border Casualties

Beyond domestic vigilante acts, the report detailed several external and institutional fatalities:

Jail Custody: 7 inmates died while in state custody during May.

India Border: 7 total casualties linked to the frontier. India's Border Security Force (BSF) shot three Bangladeshi nationals and tortured one to death. Three other bodies were recovered near the border line.

Myanmar Border: 3 Bangladeshis were killed in two separate landmine explosions near the frontier.

In contrast to the rising social violence, political clashes saw a marginal decline. While political fatalities remained flat at three deaths for both April and May, related injuries dropped from 303 down to 193.

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NCP Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari Attacked in Jhenaidah: Juba Dal and Chhatra Dal Blamed

Nasiruddin Patwari, the Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), was attacked in Jhenaidah today, Friday. The incident took place around 2:00 PM right after Friday prayers in front of the Jhenaidah Poura Collectorate Jame Mosque.

According to Hamid Parvez, the NCP Jhenaidah District Joint Coordinator, the party leaders and activists took shelter inside the Jhenaidah Police Station immediately after the assault.

Details of the Attack:

• The Incident: Nasiruddin Patwari shared on Facebook that as they stepped out of the mosque, Chhatra Dal and Juba Dal activists launched an ambush right in front of the police.
• Weapons Used: The attackers threw eggs and bricks before aggressively striking the victims with hockey sticks.
• Casualties: At least three NCP members suffered severe head injuries, while several others were left wounded. Patwari and Joint Member Tarek Reza were also physically assaulted.
• Looting: The assailants reportedly snatched away mobile phones, cameras, and wallets during the chaos.

NCP leaders stated that they are preparing to file a formal lawsuit. Local Juba Dal and Chhatra Dal leaders have not yet provided a statement regarding the allegations.

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Viral Siddik Donation Box Video: The Real Truth Revealed Behind Theft Allegations

Maulana Khan Mohammad Abubakar Siddique, widely known as "Viral Siddik," has sparked fresh social media frenzy after a video showed him collecting money from a donation box. While netized initially labeled it as theft, investigations reveal a completely different story.

The money was being retrieved from a donation box owned by Siddique's own registered organization, the "New Muslim Development Association." Founded in 2008, the charity operates 15 to 16 donation boxes across Dhaka to support new Muslims.

The Incident Explained:

• Date & Location: The video was filmed on April 19 in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
• The Assault: While Siddique was routinely collecting funds, a local teen gang filmed him, falsely claiming he was stealing.
• Extortion: He was locked in a room from afternoon to evening, physically assaulted, and pressured for a 1 Lakh BDT ransom.
• The Release: He was freed only after electronically transferring 8,000 BDT via bKash through relatives.

Siddique clarified that the smear campaign was orchestrated by the teen gang to ruin his reputation. A formal case has been filed at the Mohammadpur Police Station regarding the extortion and assault.

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Mirza Abbas’ Health Improves, Wife Reveals Possible Return Date to Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member and Dhaka-8 MP Mirza Abbas is currently undergoing treatment at Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

His wife, Afroza Abbas, has said that after prolonged treatment and close medical supervision, his health condition has significantly improved. He is likely to return to Bangladesh in the first week of June.
On Saturday (17 May), Bangladeshi journalists in Malaysia met Mirza Abbas at the hospital. Doctors have described his current condition as much more stable compared to before. He is under strict medical observation and is undergoing rehabilitation.
Afroza Abbas said her husband is now taking short walks in a wheelchair on the hospital premises as per doctors’ advice and is gradually recovering. Many well-wishers, BNP leaders, and expatriate Bangladeshis are visiting him regularly.
Present during the visit were Jasim Uddin (President, Jubo Dal Malaysia), Jalal Uddin, Helal Shikder, Sohel Ahmed, Imran Ahmed, Sheikh Asaduzzaman Masum and other expatriate journalists.

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