Grief engulfs Satkhira villages after Israeli strike kills 2 Bangladeshis in Lebanon
The victims had travelled to Lebanon just two months ago after taking loans in hopes of improving their families’ financial condition
Two Bangladeshi youths killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon were from impoverished families in Satkhira, where grief and mourning have engulfed their villages.
The deceased were identified as Shafiqul Islam, 40, from Bhaluka Chandpur village in Satkhira sadar upazila and Nahidul Islam, 22, from Kadakati village in Assasuni upazila.
Family members said the two men had travelled to Lebanon together around two months ago after borrowing between Tk8,00,000 and Tk10,00,000 in hopes of changing their fortunes.
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They were killed yesterday (11 May) in an Israeli drone strike on a house in the Zebdin area of Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon, where they had been living together.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Lebanon confirmed the identities of the two Bangladeshis in a condolence message.
According to the embassy, the two were killed in an Israeli airstrike around noon local time while staying at their residence. Their bodies are currently being kept at Nabih Berri Hospital in Nabatieh.
The news of their deaths left both families devastated.
On this morning (12 May), relatives and neighbours gathered at the home of Shafiqul Islam in Satkhira.
His father, Afsar Ali, said he had sent his son abroad after taking loans in hopes of bringing some financial relief to the family.
"Now my son is returning as a dead body. I just want to see his face one last time. I appeal to the government to bring my son's body back quickly," he said.
Shafiqul Islam is survived by two daughters.
His eldest daughter, Tamanna Akter, said, "We are two sisters and have no brother. Our father went abroad to give us a better life. Now we only want the government to bring his body home quickly so we can see him one last time."
His wife, Ruma Khatun, said her husband had gone abroad after taking loans to support the education and future of their daughters.
"All our dreams are shattered. I do not know how I will survive now," she said.
In Assasuni's Kadakati village, a similar atmosphere of mourning prevailed at Nahidul Islam's home.
His father, Abdul Kader, said he had sent his elder son abroad after borrowing money and now only wanted his body returned for burial.
Officials from Satkhira Sadar and Assasuni upazila administrations visited the families to express condolences and assured them of efforts to bring the bodies back quickly.
Satkhira Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arnab Dutta said the administration had contacted the families and was trying to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies.
Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shyamananda Kundu said necessary assistance was being arranged through the district administration to return the bodies to Bangladesh as soon as possible.
