Your Excellency the Ambassador of the Russian Federation
Director General of the National Museum
Distinguished guests
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

I am delighted to be here this afternoon at the inauguration of this photo exhibition dedicated to the sixtieth anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. I would like to congratulate the Russian Embassy and the National Museum of Bangladesh for organising the exhibition. The photographs are a record of the horrors that humanity had to suffer in the Second World War. They also remind us of the resolve: "Never Again".

The Second World War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in history that engulfed the whole world and exacted colossal human and material costs. As many as 40 million human lives were lost. Wars always bring devastation and that too often indiscriminately. Wars dehumanise and challenge the human instincts on which civilisation rests. However, there are times when wars are legitimate, when it becomes the only recourse for a just cause and to fight oppression, injustice, occupation and in self-defence. Our historic Liberation War of 1971 was one that was fought for a just cause.

Excellencies and distinguished guests,

Russia's contribution to the victory of the allied forces and the immense sufferings that the Russian people had to suffer during the five years of war are all part of the glorious history of human kind. We pay tribute to the Russian people for their defining role in the victory in the World War II, with the sacrifice of about 27 million civilian and military lives. I respectfully recall the sacrifice of the great Russian heroes who laid down their lives to free their country and the rest of the world. The victory was a glaring example of how a formidable enemy can be vanquished through courage, gallantry and unity. The Russian people indeed deserve a hearty congratulation as they are preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the victory on 09 May 2005.

We are impressed by the rapid economic, political, cultural and technological transformation and the vision of the leadership in restoring the rightful position of Russian Federation in the international arena. Apart from being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russian Federation, of late, has assumed greater importance for its independent role in the context of international peace and security issues, particularly, through its membership of G-8 and partnership with NATO. She is also an active member of the ARF. We wish to see the Russian Federation continue to play a key role on the international stage in the greater interest of world peace.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention that the bilateral relations between our two countries have also deepened and widened since our independence over the last thirty-five years. Under the umbrella of excellent bilateral relations between our two countries, cooperation has been note-worthy in sectors of energy, education, culture, defence, etc. We are exploring avenues to further enhancing our cooperative relations.

The Russian Embassy, through the Russian Cultural Centre, has been playing a key role in fostering mutual understanding and respect between Bangladesh and the Russian Federation. Today's photographic exhibition is a commendable initiative aimed at better understanding of the history of the world and a phase in our lives that has changed the course of history. The exhibition will inspire us to do our utmost to build a free, democratic and better world for our future generations. I express my sincerest thanks to the Russian Embassy and to the National Museum for taking this praise-worthy project.

May I once again wish the exhibition all success.

Thank you.

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