DHAKA: The nation is celebrating the 50th birthday of Sheikh Russell, youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on Saturday in a befitting manner.

On this day in 1964, Russell was born at the historic Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi in the city. He was the youngest among three brothers and two sisters of Prime Minister, also Awami League president, Sheikh Hasina.

Russell was a class IV student at University Laboratory School. Little boy Russell along with Bangabandhu and most of his family members were assassinated at their residence in Dhanmondi on August 15, 1975.

Awami League and its associate bodies have chalked out elaborate program to celebrate the day.

Party leaders and activities placed floral wreaths at Russel’s grave at Banani graveyard in the city at 8:00am followed by offering of fateha and holding of a milad and doa mahfil there.

Dhaka City Awami League arranged a daylong Quran Khwani at its office on 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in the city and will hold milad and doa mahfil after Asr prayers there.

Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives minister, also Awami League general secretary, Syed Ashraful Islam urged all including the party-people, supporters and well wishers to celebrate the birthday with due manner.

BDST: 1005 HRS, OCT 18, 2014