18 October 2023, Bandar Seri Begawan:

The 60th Birthday of Martyr Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib as well as ‘Sheikh Russel Day 2023’ was observed with due solemnity by the Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam. To that end, a program was organized at the Bangladesh High Commission on 18 October 2023. Well wishes for the 60th Birthday of Martyr Sheikh Russel were pouring in from the members of the Bangladesh community, a few Indians and many Bruneian students and academics who joined the event. It all started with recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and special prayer for salvation of the departed souls of Martyr Sheikh Russel and all martyrs who were viciously killed in the fateful night of 15 August 1975. A floral wreath was offered to the portrait of Martyr Sheikh Russel by the Bangladesh High Commissioner Nahida Rahman Shumona who also read out special messages from the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on this special occasion. A documentary on Martyr Sheikh Russel along with the theme song of Sheikh Russel Day 2023 was screened whereas the children of Bangladesh Community received token prizes for their talent and love for art and painting that they displayed while making sketches of Martyr Sheikh Russel. The Bangladesh High Commissioner condemned the sheer ruthlessness and unscrupulousness that were inflicted upon Martyr Sheikh Russel at the age of eleven. She mentioned that the memories of the innocence of Sheikh Russel and the brutality that he had to face, serve as a stark reminder of the inalienable rights of every child to live freely in a just and equitable society. She also called upon all to work together to create environments where children are safe, where their voices are heard, and where their dreams are encouraged. She also advocated for investing in education, healthcare, and social support systems that empower children and their families.