The Bangladesh Awami Jubo League on Sunday donated houses to the landless in different districts on the eve of Sheikh Russel’s 58th birthday.
A book styled ‘Dear Bangabandhu’ which contains imaginative letters written to the Father of the Nation was also released from the event. Cultural functions and discussion were also held.
Born on October 18, 1964, Sheikh Russel was the youngest child of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He was killed on the fateful night of August 15, 1975 along with Bangabandhu and other family members in a military coup. His elder sisters – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana – survived as they were abroad during that time. This brutal assassination of the infant Sheikh Russel has further tarnished the stigmatised black night of August 15, 1975.
From this year, October 18 will be celebrated as 'Sheikh Russel Day'.
Jubo League is the only political organisation in Bangladesh that has taken the steps to give homes to the poor from the personal fund, inspired by the Prime Minister’s Ashrayan Project marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.
In the first phase, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash handed over 10 such houses to 10 families in a ceremony on the prime minister’s 75th birthday on September 27.
He handed over 22 houses in 11 district units of Jubo League as part of the second phase of the initiative on Sunday, marking Sheikh Russel’s birthday.
Those districts include Gazipur city, Gazipur district, Mymensingh district, Kishoreganj district, Narshingdhi district, Dhaka district, Khagrachari, Cumilla North, and Lakshmipur.
Chairman Parash said this housing initiative would continue till December when the Mujib Barsho will be ended.
Sheikh Russel was a very dear child of his mother and was blessed with the affection of all.
His house tutor Geetali Dasgupta once said: “Russel was very passionate about helping people. He had great love in his heart for general people”.
Chief Whip of the Parliament Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton was the chief guest of the event while actor turned politician Asaduzzaman Noor MP was the main speaker.
Tagore exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, and state minister for information Dr Md Murad Hassan were also present. Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain khan Nikhil made the welcome remark.
A documentary on Sheikh Russel was also screened at the event.
