Multitalented Sheikh Kamal led very simple life: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday remembered her brother, heroic freedom fighter Sheikh Kamal, as a multitalented youth, and urged the young people to follow his ideals to build a dignified Bangladesh.

“Freedom fighter Sheikh Kamal had left us his principles, ideals, work procedures and guidelines. I think from our little children to young society would undoubtedly develop themselves following his ideals,” she said, reports UNB.

The premier said this joining the 73rd birth anniversary celebration of Freedom Fighter Shaheed(martyred) captain Sheikh Kamal and the distribution ceremony of Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award-2022 in city’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban.

She distributed the award among nine sports personalities and two organizations for their outstanding contribution to the country’s sports in seven categories. On her behalf, State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel handed over the awards among the recipients.

Hasina said she wants the country’s children to enhance the dignity of Bangladesh further at the international level or the world stage by flourishing their talents.

She said Sheikh Kamal, also her younger brother and the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had possessed many talents.

The PM said Kamal used to play hockey, football, cricket and sitar, participate in drama and get prizes for extempore speeches at the same time. He was also politically conscious and had foresight. He had been an active activist of Chhatra League since his admission into Dhaka College, she added.

“Kamal always used to lead a very simple life,” she said.

Noting that her father Bangabandhu taught them to lead a simple life, Hasina said their motto was ‘simple living and high thinking’ and they used to follow what her father had taught them.

Among the awardees, noted sports organiser Harunur Rashid received lifetime award, while Liton Kumar Das (cricket), Abdullah Hel Baki (shooting) and Molla Sabira Sultana (weightlifting) were given the award in sports personality category.

Diya Siddique (Archery) and Mohammad Shariful Islam (Cricket) received the award as emerging athletes.

Saidur Rahman Patel and Nazma Shamim were given the award in sports organizer category, while Kashinath Bashak in sports journalism category, Bangladesh Olympic Association in sports association/federation/sports organization category, and Green Delta Insurance Company Limited in sports sponsor category.

Each awardee received Tk one lakh, a crest and certificate.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports introduced this award last year to mark the birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Kamal felled to bullets when disgruntled forces assassinated Bangabandhu along with most members of the family of the architect of Bangladesh on August 15, 1975 at his 32 Dhanmandi residence.

The Prime Minister also unveiled the cover of a pictorial souvenir titled “the Embodiment of Enlightened Youth” highlighting the life and works of Sheikh Kamal.

Acclaimed musician Kazi Hablu, also a founding member of Spondon Shilpa Goshti formed by Sheikh Kamal, Noted sports organiser and also youth and sports affairs secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Harunur Rashid also spoke at the function conducted by Youth and Sports Secretary Mesbah Uddin.