Speakers at a discussion in Tokyo on Tuesday said the beautiful face of Sheikh Russel is the symbol of innocence, love and affection, which will never fade away from the public memory.

Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo organised the event marking the 59th birthday of Sheikh Russel who was among the martyrs of August 15 mayhem in 1975. He was the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The speakers highlighted various aspects of the life of young Russel, the affection that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the eldest sister held for him and how a promising young life ended with brutal assassination.

They said Russel will be remembered for his love and amiability for people around him and children should learn these values as the nation remembers him on this day being observed as 'Sheikh Russel Day'.

A significant number of Bangladesh community members in Tokyo attended the event despite being a working day, said the embassy.

The day’s programme started in the morning with placing of floral wreath at the portrait of Russel while the theme song of Sheikh Russel Day was played on the screen.

This was followed by a special prayer offered to the memory of Russel and all family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib.

The messages issued by the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion were read out by embassy officials.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed paid homage to Bangabandhu and prayed for peace for his departed soul.

The ambassador recalled that on his birthday on 18 October 1973, Sheikh Russel travelled to Japan with his father.

The documentary of the day had several shots of Sheikh Russel taken from that visit.