RANGPUR, Nov 10, 2021 (BSS) - State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury today said child Sheikh Russell was brutally killed after killing Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with his family members.

   "Russell was the sweetheart of his family, parents and brothers and sisters. Ziaur Rahman was the godfather behind all these killings," he said at a prize distribution ceremony and discussion at Town Hall here as the chief guest.

   Rangpur divisional unit of Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shishu Kishore Parishad organised the functions marking the month-long celebration of the birthday of Shaheed Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Bangabandhu.

   Earlier, the divisional unit of the organisation arranged drawing, essay writing, handwriting, quiz, cricket, chess, football and cultural competitions since October 18 last for the children of all eight districts in Rangpur division.

  Divisional convener of the Sheikh Russell Day Celebration Committee Saiful Islam Sweet delivered a welcome speech in the function moderated by its Member-secretary musician Antar Rahman.

  Secretary General of the central committee of Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shishu Kishore Parishad KM Shahid Ullah addressed the function as the keynote speaker.

  Advisers of Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shishu Kishore Parishad Sirajul Islam Mollah and Tarafdar Md Ruhul Amin, its Organising Secretary Farid Uddin Ahmmed Ratan, district Awami League (AL) President Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, its General Secretary Advocate Rezaul Karim Raju, city AL President Shafiur Rahman Shafi, its General Secretary Tushar Kanti Mandal and Adviser of Rangpur divisional unit of Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shishu Kishore Parishad Md Rawshanul Haque Tushar addressed as special guests.

  The State Minister said Ziaur Rahman started the politics of forced disappearance and killing in 1975 when the national slogan of Joy Bangla was banned in the country.

  "While chanting the slogan of Joy Bangla, leader of Dhaka Metropolitan Chhatra League Mahbub became a victim of forced disappearance on the instructions of Ziaur Rahman," he said.

  In order to keep the memory of Sheikh Russell alive, various sports and cultural competitions were organized on the occasion of his birthday in Rangpur division like all over the country.

   Later, the chief guest and other guests distributed prizes among the winners of various competitions in the function followed by colourful and pleasant cultural programs.