Dhaka, April 25 (V7N) — The Russian House in Dhaka, in collaboration with local authorities, organized a ceremonial tree-planting event titled "Garden of Memory" at Dhanmondi Lake on Friday. According to a press release from the Russian Embassy, this international initiative serves as a poignant tribute to the 27 million lives lost by the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). By planting saplings annually across the globe, the movement seeks to symbolize each life lost while simultaneously addressing modern environmental challenges through sustainable action.

The event saw the participation of high-level officials, including Vyacheslav Sentyurin, Minister-Counsellor of the Russian Embassy, and Md Abdus Salam, Administrator of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Alexandra Khlevnoy, Director of the Russian House, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of historical preservation and the strengthening of humanitarian ties between Russia and Bangladesh. Minister-Counsellor Sentyurin further highlighted the immense human cost of the 1945 victory, noting that such initiatives ensure that the sacrifices of past generations are remembered by youth across different nations.

Representing the local administration, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam lauded the initiative, aligning it with Bangladesh's broader national environmental goals. He revealed that the government has set an ambitious target to plant 250 million trees over the next five years to combat the escalating effects of climate change. Specific to the capital, Salam announced that the City Corporation plans to add 300,000 trees to the urban landscape between 2026 and 2030, significantly expanding the city's green coverage and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial planting of saplings by the distinguished guests along the banks of Dhanmondi Lake. Speakers at the event noted that the "Garden of Memory" acts as a bridge of friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and Russia, merging the solemnity of war remembrance with a shared commitment to a greener future. The event not only honored fallen heroes but also served as a call to action for the global community to take responsibility for environmental protection and urban sustainability.

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