The meeting at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh became an important step in strengthening international women’s cooperation and preparing for the anniversary forum.
A working meeting between the leadership of the “International Women’s Union” (IWU) and Dr. Shah Mohammad Habibul Hasan, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, took place in Moscow. The event was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, confirming mutual interest in developing partnerships between women of Russia and Bangladesh.
The IWU side was represented by Alfiya Amirova, President of the “International Women’s Union”; the Editor-in-Chief of the online publication “Embassy Life”; Marat Shakirzyanov; and Anastasia Golyakova — IWU representative, Russian translator, publicist and expert, blogger and host of the English-language channel Think BRICS.
The key topic of the negotiations was the discussion of cooperation between women’s organizations of the two countries, as well as the preparation for the 5th Anniversary International Forum “Woman of the Third Millennium,” which will take place on November 18–19 in Moscow.
A Unique History of Women’s Leadership in Bangladesh
A particularly symbolic meaning was given to the meeting by the fact that Bangladesh is one of the few countries in the world where women have repeatedly held the highest state offices. For more than three decades — from 1991 to 2024 — the country’s political landscape was shaped by two women leaders: Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia.
They alternately led the government, each serving multiple terms as Prime Minister. This period became unique in world politics: Bangladesh remained one of the few countries where women led the state for such an extended period. Their leadership embodied not only political will but also a deep connection to national values — both positioned themselves as successors to their fathers, who gave their lives for the country’s independence.
This historical context makes cooperation with women’s organizations of Bangladesh especially significant. Women’s leadership in this country is not an abstract concept but a living tradition, confirmed by decades of real governance.
Russia-Bangladesh Relations: History and Modernity
Relations between Russia and Bangladesh have deep historical roots. On January 25, 2022, the countries marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Today, the partnership is actively developing in trade, energy, and education. Over 500 students from Bangladesh are studying at Russian universities, and the number of state scholarships for them has been increased.
Invitation to the Anniversary Forum
During the meeting, Alfiya Amirova invited Dr. Shah Mohammad Habibul Hasan and the Bangladeshi delegation to take part in the 5th Anniversary International Forum “Woman of the Third Millennium.” The Forum, which will take place in Moscow in November, will bring together participants from Russian regions and foreign countries, becoming a key platform for the development of women’s entrepreneurship, people’s diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Interest in the event has already been shown by representatives of several foreign countries and Russian regions. The participation of the Bangladeshi delegation will be an important contribution to the dialogue of cultures and the strengthening of international ties.
“Bangladesh is a country with a unique history of women’s leadership. This is not just a fact but a powerful resource for inspiration and the development of our cooperation. I am confident that joint projects of women from Russia and Bangladesh will open new horizons for public diplomacy,” noted Alfiya Amirova.
Agreements on Future Cooperation
The parties agreed on productive cooperation in preparing the Forum and implementing joint initiatives aimed at supporting women’s entrepreneurship, developing cultural exchange, and strengthening humanitarian ties between Russia and Bangladesh.
The material was prepared based on information provided by the press service of the ROO “International Women’s Union” and the online publication “Embassy Life.”