KHULNA, Oct 18, 2022 (BSS) - The 59th birthday of Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was observed today in a befitting manner in the city and district.

The birthday programmes include - cake cutting, discussions, milad and doa mahfils, cultural functions, rallies, painting competitions, tree plantation and distribution of foods among the destitute people.

Russel, the youngest brother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was born on this day (October 18) in 1964 at "Bangabandhu Bhaban", the historical residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman located at Road 32, Dhanmondi in the capital.

Russel was a class-four student of University Laboratory School when he along with his most family members, including Bangabandhu, was killed by a group of disgruntled army men on August 15, 1975.

Khulna District Administration, Awami League and its associate organisations, Khulna Shishu Academy, Khulna University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Mongla Port Authority, West Zone Power Company Ltd, has observed elaborate programmes including cake cutting, milad and doa mahfil, rally, discussion, cultural function, essay and art competition and tree plantation programme.

Marking the day, District and City Unit Muktijoddha Command, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Zillur Rahman Chowdhury, Khulna City Corporation, Khulna Metropolitan Police, Khulna Range DIG of Police, Khulna District Administration, Departments of different GO-NGO, educational institutions and other organizations pay homage to the portrait of Sheikh Russel, set up at the DC office ground in the city.

Earlier, a colourful rally was brought out in the city streets. The rally began from City's Shaheed Hadis Park and ended at the Circuit house ground.  

Sheikh Russel Padak distribution, the central programme, aired from the capital, was live telecast at Shilpokola Academy where discussion, cake cutting, cultural programme organized by children and prize distribution ceremony was held.

Khulna divisional commissioner Md Zillur Rahman Chowdhury addressed the discussion as the chief guest with deputy commissioner Md Moniruzzaman Talukder in the chair.

Khulna City Corporation paid homage at the portrait of Sheikh Russel at Circuit House ground led by its acting mayor Aminul Islam Munna. A discussion, cake cutting, art and essay competition and prize distribution ceremony was held on KCC premises.

A video documentary on the life sketch of Sheikh Russel styled ' Ekty Swapner Naam Sheikh Russel, was screened at different places including Shaheed Hadis Park and Railway Station marking the day.

Doa mahfil and special prayers has been offered at all mosques, temples, churches, pagoda and other religious organizations seeking blessing of the departed soul of Sheikh Russel along with Bangabandhu and all family members of August 15, 1975 carnage.

Improved diet was served at all children orphanage center. Divisional museum and Shishu Park allowed free entry for the children marking the day.