Migrant returns home after 27 years of living in Malaysian forest
He was received at the airport by his family members and representatives from the Brac Migration Programme.
After 27 years of being missing, expatriate Amir Hossain Talukdar, 62, from Naria upazila of Shariatpur, has finally returned to his family.
He arrived in Dhaka from Malaysia on a Batik Air (OD162) flight at 12:20am today (22 April).
He was received at the airport by his family members and representatives from the Brac Migration Programme, with assistance from Civil Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Expatriate Welfare Desk.
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Amir's son, Babu Talukdar, who was a child when his father left, was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing him after 30 years. Brac later arranged for Amir to be transported to his home in Shariatpur and said they would take necessary steps for his medical treatment considering his physical and mental condition.
According to family members, Amir Hossain moved to Malaysia in 1996 in search of a livelihood. While he maintained regular contact and sent money during the first three years, he suddenly disappeared without a trace. Over time, the family assumed he had died.
His son said Amir worked as a painter in Malaysia and initially stayed in touch before going completely out of contact.
Brac said, a group of Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia found Amir living in a small tin shack deep within a forest in Penang. He was found in a mentally unstable condition. The expatriates rescued him and shared his photos and videos on social media.
The matter gained attention through the efforts of expatriate journalist Bappi Kumar Das and a Bangladeshi resident in Penang, Dipu, who informed Brac. The family later identified him from the shared content. Following verification, the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia issued him a travel pass, facilitating his return.
Shariful Hasan, associate director of Brac's Migration and Youth Platform, said the incident highlights the uncertainties of migrant life.
"The fact that an individual remained missing for 27 years while living abroad is deeply painful. The role played by Bangladeshi expatriates in finding him is commendable. This return marks the end of a long wait for a family," he said.
"In this age of technology, keeping track of migrants is not impossible, rather essential. Many may still be in similar distress, unknown and untraced, despite their contribution to the country's economy," he added.
