“My mother went to Maldives in 2010 to take responsibility of our as my father was ill. Her dream was to arrange proper treatment for my father and to bring back our family's solvency. But my mother and her dreams were burnt down in the fire of Maldives.”
Nur Nahar, elder daughter of Asia Begum who died in a devastating fire incident in Maldives, was reminiscing her mother in a tearful voice.
“I never thought my mother would die like this. Her dreams are no longer fulfilled,” she said.
The Bangladesh high commission in Maldives on Friday confirmed the identities of the two Bangladeshis who were burned to death in a devastating fire in Maldives on Thursday. The fire killed a total of 11 foreign workers.
The deceased are: Asia Begum, daughter of Zorif Ali and Razia Begum of Ambaria union in Tangail's Dhanbari upazila; and Uzzal, son of Golam and Malaka of Bishnupur union of Joypurhat's Panchbibi upazila.
Another Bangladeshi who suffered serious burn injuries and is now undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital is Tyob, son of Rokon Molla and Rahema from Azimnagar union of Faridpur's Bhanga upazila.
Asia got married to Ismail, a day laborer at a young age. After a few years, Ismail suddenly fell ill. They have two sons and two daughters. As Ismail was sick, Asia started working as a day laborer, reports Bangla Tribune.
But running a family of five on a meager income becomes difficult. Amid this, she migrated to Maldives in 2010 with a loan of Tk1.20 lakh. She started working there as a domestic worker, according to family sources.
During this long time, Asia was unable to bring prosperity to the family while treating her husband.
However, four sons and daughters got married during this period.
After getting married, two sons separated. At present Asia's elder son is working as a rickshaw puller and younger son is working in a brick field.
As the sons are separated, she needed to keep her two daughters with their husband at home to take care of her husband.
On November 10, his eldest daughter Nur Nahar received a call from Maldives. A person informed about Asia's death.
Nur Nahar burst into tears. In a moment, the shadow of intense grief descended on their house.
She also said: "I want my mother's body back." I want to see my mother's face for the last time. Maybe one day prosperity will return to the family, but I will never get my mother back. I am demanding the Prime Minister to take measures to bring my mother's body back to the country quickly.”
Her husband Ismail Hossain also demanded to bring back his wife's body.
Local UP member Azharul Islam said: "The process of bringing Asia's body to the country is underway. His family is very poor. We will inform the chairman to arrange financial assistance for her family.”
