DHAKA, Oct 18, 2023 (BSS) - State Minister for Women and Children's Affairs 
Fazilatun Nessa Indira today said that if Shaheed Sheikh Russell is alive 
today, he could have made an important contribution to the development and 
prosperity of Bangladesh.

"If Shaheed Sheikh Russell had not been killed, he would have made an 
important contribution to the development and prosperity of Bangladesh by 
becoming a good citizen, patriotic man and worthy leader with the ideals of 
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the spirit of the 
War of Liberation war," she said.
 
The state minister said these while addressing a discussion held at the 
auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Academy here as the chief guest marking the 
60th birthday of Shaheed Sheikh Russell who was Bangabandhu's youngest son as 
well as the youngest brother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a press release 
said.

Noting that he (Russell) was brutally assassinated along with most of his 
family members, including his father Bangabandhu, on August 15, 1975 when he 
was a student of class four at University Laboratory School, the lawmaker 
Indira also underscored the need for ensuring punishment of the instigators 
as well as the masterminds behind the 'August 15 Carnage' by bringing them 
under the purview of law.

She added that Shaheed Sheikh Russell is a symbol of purity, and humanity and 
he is the image of all the children of the world.

Tiny and lovable Sheikh Russell will live among the children of the world 
forever, she continued.

With chairperson of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Lucky Enam in the chair, the 
discussion was addressed, among others, by Secretary of the Ministry of Women 
and Children Affair Nazma Mobarek as special guest, the release added. 

Director General of Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Children's author and 
rhymester Anjir Liton gave the welcome speech on the occasion.

Joyeeta Foundation Managing Director Afroza Khan, Director General 
(Additional Secretary) of the Department of Women Affairs Farida Pervin and 
Additional Secretary Md Muhibuzzaman also spoke.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy observed the Sheikh Russell Day by taking up 
various programmes including holding discussion and cultural programme, 
cutting cake and arranging competition for children.

Indira also attended the prize distribution ceremony of competition for 
children which was held on Sheikh Russell's topic there.

Earlier, in the morning, rich tributes were paid by placing wreaths at the 
grave of Sheikh Russell in city's Banani graveyard.

Homage was also paid at the mural of the Father of the Nation and portrait of 
Sheikh Russell by placing wreaths on Shishu Academy premises.