Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Muhammad Imran, has called upon youths to develop themselves as good citizens and work for establishing a prosperous Bangladesh imbued with the ideology of Bangabandhu.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday observed "Sheikh Russel Day", marking the 59th birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's youngest son Sheikh Russel in a befitting manner.

The embassy arranged programmes in memory of Sheikh Russel at the Bangabandhu Auditorium in the afternoon.

Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Imran highlighted Shaheed Sheikh Russel's unique virtues which he demonstrated in his short life.

In spite of being a child, Shaheed Sheikh Russel had great love in his heart for the people, Ambassador Imran noted.

The Ambassador also paid deepest homage to the Father of the Nation and other members of his family who were brutally assassinated in the 15 August 1975 carnage.

Sheikh Russel, the youngest brother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was born on October 18 in 1964 at the historic Bangabandhu Bhaban on Dhanmondi Road 32 in the capital.

He was brutally assassinated along with most of his family members, including his father Bangabandhu, on August 15, 1975 when he was a student of class four at University Laboratory School.

The programmes of the Embassy included placing of floral wreaths at the portrait of Sheikh Russel and organising a painting competition for children.

The programmes began with laying of floral wreaths at the portrait of Shaheed Sheikh Russel by the Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran. Officials and employees of the Embassy were present at that time.

Then, messages from the President and Prime Minister on this occasion were read out by Defence Attaché Brig Gen Md Shahedul Islam and Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain respectively.

The programmes ended with distribution of prizes by the Ambassador among the winners of the painting competition.

Earlier, a documentary on the life of Shaheed Sheikh Russel was screened.

A special prayer was offered, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Shaheed Sheikh Russel and others martyred on the fateful night of 15 August 1975.

Counsellor Mohammad Moniruzzaman conducted the programmes.

Apart from officials and employees of the Mission, their family members were also present at the function.