There are numerous instances of betrayal that occur in life. Throughout history, we have seen notable betrayals such as political defections, broken alliances, and even sports players switching to rival teams. However, none of these compare to the initial and perhaps most devastating betrayal we experience in our lives.
This betrayal is known as the Eid salami betrayal, and it comes from none other than our own parents. In Bangladesh, children typically start Eid morning with a sense of entrepreneurial spirit. They rise early, don their best clothes reserved exclusively for this special day, and head out with a clear objective in mind: to maximize their Eid salami earnings.
The process is straightforward. Children hug their relatives, exchange Eid greetings, and extend their hands with a mix of innocence and anticipation to receive crisp Eid salami notes. These can range from a modest Tk 10 from a distant uncle to a generous Tk 50 from a caring aunt or even a rare Tk 100 from a doting grandparent. Occasionally, there may be a grand Tk 500 note from that one special relative whose mere presence elevates the festive atmosphere.
For a brief moment, children feel a sense of wealth and abundance. They gather in corners, meticulously counting their earnings, discussing strategies, and reveling in the thriving Eid economy. However, just as their financial prospects begin to look promising, a calm voice interrupts their excitement.
“Give it to me. I’ll keep it safe,” the parent says reassuringly, implying responsible money management and a desire to protect the child from the pitfalls of sudden wealth. Trusting their parents, the children comply and hand over their hard-earned money, believing it is in safe hands.
Days pass, and the children’s curiosity grows. They inquire about their salami, only to be told it is safe in a drawer that seems elusive and impossible to locate. Slowly, the truth dawns on them – their Eid salami was never truly theirs; it was merely a temporary visitor in their hands before being absorbed into the household finances.
Many children grow up believing their parents were saving the money for them, envisioning it as a long-term investment or a modest trust fund. However, as they enter adulthood, they come to the realization that the fund was depleted around the time bills needed to be paid.
As years go by, these children mature, secure jobs, and begin purchasing their own Eid attire. The shiny outfits of their youth are replaced with practical clothing, and their financial focus shifts to mobile banking, increasing grocery costs, and other responsible expenditures.
Now, these adults find themselves on the other side of the equation – they are now the ones providing Eid salami to the younger generation. As they hand over a crisp note to a child, they witness the same excitement and exuberance they once felt. In that moment, they are transported back to their own childhood, reminiscing about counting money with seriousness and dreaming about what each coin could bring.
And in the background, they hear that familiar voice once more, gently saying, “Give it to me. I’ll keep it safe.”