Bangladeshi mountaineer and Everest summiteer Ikramul Hasan Shakil is set to head to Russia in late September to conquer Mount Elbrus — the highest mountain in Russia and Europe.

Standing at 5,642 metres above sea level, Mount Elbrus rises high above the Caucasus Mountains.

At the press conference and flag handover ceremony held on Friday at the Russian House in Dhaka, Ikramul received the National Flag of Bangladesh, which he will carry on his expedition.

Speakers at the event included Director of Russian House Alexandra Khlevnoy; Antu Karim, Managing Director of Kidlon Bangladesh; and Simanta Dipu, Program Manager at IUCN Bangladesh.

Sonia Mehzabin, Country Coordinator of UNV Bangladesh, and Islam Gore, Country Manager of Turkish Airlines, were also present.

Speaking at the press conference, Alexandra Khlevnoy said, "Despite the geographical distance between Bangladesh and Russia, the two nations are very close in terms of friendship and harmony. We have initiated the Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Expedition."

"I hope this will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries," she added, extending her best wishes to mountaineer Ikramul Hasan Shakil.

The approximately 15-day expedition, beginning with his departure from Dhaka on 19 September 2026, will be more than a mountaineering challenge — it will also become a symbol of friendship between Bangladesh and Russia, bringing the two countries together through a shared spirit of courage, adventure and discovery.

The expedition is jointly organised by the Russian House in Dhaka and the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC).