PM pays homage to Sheikh Russel, a martyr of August 15 tragedy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on his 59th birthday.

She placed a wreath at the grave of her youngest brother and scattered flower petals over it at Banani graveyard. She was accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana.

After placing the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time.

Sheikh Russel was only 10 years old when he was gunned down during the August 15 massacre in 1975. The mayhem at 32 Dhanmondi saw the assassination of Bangabandhu and most of his family members.

His two daughters, Hasina and Rehana, survived as they were abroad at that time.

The prime minister along with her younger sister went to the Banani graveyard at about 6:45 am.

Both offered fateha there and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of 15 August.

At Banani graveyard PM's mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest.

Hasina and Rehana also scattered petals on graveyards of other martyrs of their family.

The country is observing "Sheikh Russel Day" in a fitting manner marking his birthday.

Sheikh Russel was born on October 18 in 1964 at the historic Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi 32 in the city.

He was a class four student at University Laboratory School in Dhaka.

The government declared October 18 as Sheikh Russel Day in 2021.