Photo: Messenger
Families across the country eagerly anticipate the festivities, but this Eid is clouded with worry and hope for the family of sailor Nazmul Haque from Sirajganj.
On Thursday, this reporter spoke with the family of Nazmul Haque, who has been held captive by Somalian pirates.
The family, residing in the remote Char-Noornagar village of Bhadraghat Union in Kamarkhand Upazila of Zimbi Sirajganj, revealed that they have put their Eid preparations on hold, unable to engage in the usual festivities.
Nazmul Haque, the sole breadwinner of his family and the only son of Abu Shyama and Nargis, was abducted on March 12. He is among the 23 sailors currently held hostage by pirates. Despite their anguish, Nazmul's parents and family members maintain a vigilant hope for his safe return. They spend their days fasting, praying, and anxiously checking their mobile phones for any news of their son.
Nazmul's cousin, Al-Mahmoud, who also works as a sailor in the same company, shared that he learned about the hostage situation through an office group and confirmed the capture of Nazmul's ship. He had a brief conversation with Nazmul the day before the abduction, where Nazmul assured him he was fine. Al-Mahmoud prays for the safe return of all the sailors, including his cousin.
Nazmul's neighbors, Shakeel Sheikh and Amirul Islam, described him as a polite and good boy who managed to secure a job while studying. They expressed their concern for the family, who now solely rely on Nazmul's income.
Abdus Sattar, a local UP member, echoed the community's distress, emphasizing the need for the government to intervene and bring back the captives, including Nazmul, to their families in good health.
Nazmul's mother, Nargis Begum, shared that her family's livelihood depends on Nazmul's earnings, which amounted to 90,000 to 100,000 taka per month. She has not slept since hearing about the pirates' threats and the shortage of food and water on the ship. Nargis Begum is now pleading with the Prime Minister for her son's swift release before Eid.
Authorities, including Kamarkhand Upazila Parishad Chairman Shahidullah Sabuj and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shaheen Sultana, have expressed their support for the family and assured them of the government's efforts to secure the release of the captives. The community is hopeful for a positive outcome, with prayers for the safe return of Nazmul and the other sailors before the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Messenger/Faria
