18 October 2023:

The discussants, in the seminar organized by Bangladesh Embassy, Yangon on the occasion of Sheikh Russel Day 2023, made a clarion call on the national governments and the international community to ensure the rights of the children and safe childhood for them. The speakers expostulated the brutal killing of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members on 15 August 1975. Particularly they mentioned the killing of Sheikh Russel, a 10-year-old child, as one of the worst signs of violation of children's rights. Ms Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) in Myanmar was present at the Seminar as the main discussant. Amon others, Brig. Gen. Md. Aftab Hossain, PhD, Defence Advisor at the Embassy, Mr. Shihab Uddin Ahamad, Country Director, WaterAid, Myanmar, Dr. Syeda Afsana Amin, Public Health Expert, Mr. Probir Ranjan Bijan Bishi, Child Rights Activists participated as speakers. They discussed various thematic issues chalked out for the seminar. The seminar, chaired and moderated by Ambassador Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain, also had the presence of representatives of International Organizations, officers and officials of the Embassy and members of Bangladesh community in Myanmar. 

Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain in his speech paid deep tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his martyred family members, 30 lac martyrs of the liberation war and all the freedom fighters of the liberation war of Bangladesh. Referring to various articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Ambassador explained the necessity of implementing rights of the children. He stressed that the killing of Sheikh Russel is a severe violation of human rights. While mentioning the immense potential of Sheikh Russel by highlighting his strong will to serve the cause of humanity, Ambassador added that if Russel would have lived today, he would be a fine leader to realize the dream of Golden Bengal envisioned by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He expressed his hope that the children of this age will show Bangladesh a brighter way upholding the humanitarian attitude and simplicity of Sheikh Russel. While highlighting the development trajectory of Bangladesh under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Ambassador expressed his firm conviction that Bangladesh will reach her goal to become a developed country by 2041.

Organized at the Chancery premises, the programme included events, namely, laying of floral wreath before the portrait of Sheikh Russel, reading out of messages of Hon'ble President and Hon'ble Prime Minister, screening of documentary on the life of Sheikh Russel.  Special prayers were offered for the salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs who were brutally killed on 15 August 1975. Prize and certificates were given away among the children taking part in the Art Competition organised on this occasion. At the end of the programme Ambassador, along with the kids, knifed a beautiful cake on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Sheikh Russel.