Russian House launches Gagarin Science Festival

The Russian House in Dhaka on Friday inaugurated the Gagarin Science Festival 2026, marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight.

In her opening remarks, Ms Alexandra Khlevnoy welcomed distinguished guests and highlighted the global significance of Gagarin’s landmark journey on April 12, 1961, describing it as the beginning of the space age and a milestone that broadened the horizons of human achievement.

She said Gagarin’s legacy continues to inspire curiosity, courage and scientific ambition among younger generations.

Khlevnoy also underscored the strong educational, scientific and cultural ties between Russia and Bangladesh, referring to ongoing cooperation projects such as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the contribution of more than 6,000 Bangladeshi graduates from Russian and Soviet universities.

Encouraging students to pursue science and astronomy, she invited young people to explore study opportunities in astronomy and related disciplines at Russian universities through the Russian House in Dhaka.

The week-long festival is being jointly organised with the Bangladesh Astronomical Association and features a series of programmes aimed at promoting scientific curiosity, creativity and innovation among young people.

The opening day included the inauguration of the photography exhibition “Yuri Gagarin – First Human in Space” and a scientist sculpture exhibition.

The day’s events also featured screenings from the VII International Film Festival “Tsiolkovsky”, including the documentary Gagarin. Embracing the World and the animated series The Flying Story.

A science seminar on Albert Einstein, conducted by Arif Asgar, and a quiz competition for school students were also held as part of the opening programme.

Chairman of the Bangladesh Astronomical Association Moshurl Amin paid tribute to Gagarin, describing him as a “world hero” and a symbol of human courage and exploration.

Certificates were distributed among all participants, while the event concluded with a telescope-based sky observation session.

The Yuri Gagarin photography exhibition and the scientist sculpture exhibition will remain open to visitors from April 10 to April 16.