Lakshmipur Correspondent:
Ayub Khan, one of the 23 Bangladeshi sailors held hostage by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, hails from Lakshmipur. His family home is located in Rakhalia village under Roypur Upazila. Ayub’s father, Azhar Mia, passed away just a month ago, leaving the family still grappling with their grief. Now, the family’s youngest son finds himself in the clutches of pirates at sea. Overwhelmed by sorrow, Ayub’s mother, Humaira Begum, is inconsolable. She breaks down into tears, repeatedly calling out for her son.
On Wednesday (March 13), a visit to Ayub’s home in Rakhalia village revealed his mother wailing for her son.
Ayub is the youngest son of Biran Bepari of Rakhalia village in Ward No. 6 of Sonapur Union under Roypur Upazila. He passed his SSC from Rakhalia High School and HSC from Ramganj’s Farid Ahmed Bhuya Academy. He holds a degree in Marine Engineering from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University. Ayub has been interning for about a year.
When asked, Humaira Begum said Ayub last spoke to her on Monday afternoon. He also spoke to his other brothers on Tuesday. No one informed her about the situation. Last night, she learned from her granddaughter and called her middle son to inquire. Her middle son told her not to worry about Ayub. Somali pirates had hijacked Ayub’s ship in the Indian Ocean. Since this news broke, tears have become her (Humaira’s) only companion, and she has not been able to sleep a wink. She has not received any news about Ayub either. How is her son? Is he alright? She breaks down into tears, overwhelmed by these questions.
With a voice choked with tears, Humaira Begum said, “I want my father back. What else could I want? For the past two days, I have been reciting the Quran with all my heart and soul. Ayub also started reciting the Quran the day before yesterday. Oh Allah, please show mercy. My husband died 20-25 days before Ayub last came home. He left after staying just one day.”
Ayub’s friend Abdullah Al Maruf said, “Ayub is a very good friend. We want him back safe and sound. We want him to return to us soon.”
Ayub’s neighbor and nephew, Tareq Hossain, said, “Uncle Ayub is a kind man. He used to treat us very well. He used to play with us. We want him back soon.”
On Tuesday (March 12), at around noon Bangladesh time, the Bangladeshi-flagged ship MV Abdullah was hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean. The ship, owned by SR Shipping under the KSRM Group, was taken hostage by Somali pirates. Later in the afternoon, news emerged that the ship was being taken towards Somalia. A total of 23 sailors, including Ayub Khan from Lakshmipur, are on board the ship.
