The chief guest of the programme, State Minister for Education, Ehsanul Haq Milon said, "The relationship between Bangladesh and Russia has always been friendly. Russia was the fourth nation that recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign country. I hope the relationship would be strengthened through more such activities organised by the centre."

The Russian ambassador to Bangladesh, Oleg S Malginov said, "The people of Bangladesh know the history, literature and the traditional culture of Russia. But the insight on modern Russia is not adequate. The Russian people hope to generate that knowledge to the local people."

The head of the centre Yury I Makarov presented a brief history of 'Roszarubezhtsentr'. He said, "It is a government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. At present it runs 63 offices abroad including 44 cultural centres in 33 countries. The main purpose of its activities is to promote knowledge about the Russian Federation, its rich historic and cultural heritage and people to people contacts. Now these centres are entrusted with the task of disseminating information about the new democratic Russia .

The discussion session was followed by a cultural programme. Artistes from the School of Russian Embassy presented dance numbers and songs. Bangladeshi artistes, Shukla Ahmed, Runa Jahan and Sohel Rahman danced and sang at the occasion as well.