Some eminent personalities yesterday hoped that the relationship between Bangladesh and Russia would be strengthened during the new term of President Vladimir Putin.
For stronger relations, they stressed joint ventures to have "visible development" in Bangladesh in the sectors of energy, science-technology, education and culture.
The discussants also hoped that Russia would play a significant role in maintaining global peace and stability in the future.
The hopes came at a discussion organised in the capital on the occasion of Putin's oath taking as Russia's president for the third term yesterday.
"We hope that Russia would play an important role in the development of our energy sector", said Asaduzzaman Noor, a lawmaker and noted theatre personality.
Noor, also secretary general of Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Society, urged Russia to open scholarships for Bangladesh students to facilitate their higher education in Russia.
Russian Ambassador in Dhaka Alexander A Nikolaev said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Russia increased by 40 percent from 2010 to 2011 in terms of currencies.
Describing the current status of joint-venture Nuclear Power Project, he said the project's agreement was being delayed because it was very complicated.
He informed that Russian government's high-ups may visit Bangladesh after "appropriate" invitation from Bangladesh government.
Moderating the discussion, noted economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said Russia needed to modernise its economy and move towards commodity-dependent economy.
"I think Russia will add a new dimension to international relations with much more importance to Asia and Asian economy".
Former ambassadors Harun ur Rashid, Maj Gen (retd) Amsa Amin, Dhaka Wasa Board Chairman Golam Mostafa, among others, also spoke at the discussion.
Russian Embassy in Bangladesh and the Russian Centre of Science and Culture jointly organised the discussion on "election of Vladimir Putin and Russia-Bangladesh relations".
Before the discussion, Putin's swearing-in ceremony was screened live from Moscow. Putin swore to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of the people. He was elected as president for the third term this March.