A discussion meeting and doa mahfil were organized at an auditorium in Sydney to mark the birthday of Shaheed Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Organized by Australia Awami League, the event was attended by prominent members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community in Australia, along with leaders, activists, and supporters of various tiers of Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League.
The discussion meeting was held under the presidency of Australia Awami League President Dr. Md. Sirajul Haque and conducted by General Secretary Mehedi Hasan Kochi, with former MP, whip, and Awami League Central Committee member Sanjida Khanam present as a guest.
Speakers at the discussion meeting highlighted various aspects of Shaheed Sheikh Russell's life. They stated that at just 10 years of age, this innocent child had to fall victim to the ruthless bullets of the assassins on August 15, 1975. The assassins committed one of the most heinous crimes in world history by killing him on that day. Present leaders called for properly presenting the memory and ideals of Sheikh Russell to the new generation residing abroad.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Md. Sirajul Haque portrayed the picture of repression on the leaders and activists of Awami League and its affiliated organizations in Bangladesh, stating that the current government is resorting to politics of vengeance and trying to destroy Awami League. However, he said, their hope will not be fulfilled, and all conspiracies will be thwarted through Sheikh Hasina's return to the country in December.
Following the discussion meeting, a special doa mahfil was held. A special munajat was offered seeking the salvation of the soul of Shaheed Sheikh Russell. At the same time, prayers were offered for the salvation of the souls of all martyrs of the family, including Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib who attained martyrdom on August 15, as well as for the overall peace, prosperity, and progress of the country. Later, the birthday was celebrated by cutting a cake.
