For almost a decade, Habi Paik toiled far away from his hometown, shouldering the dreams of his loved ones in Munshiganj. Tragically, his life was abruptly ended by a missile attack in Iraq last weekend. The devastating news was relayed to his wife, Khadija Akter, via a phone call from a coworker, leaving the entire family in shock.
Confirming the tragic event, Firoz Paik, the 35-year-old’s younger sibling, disclosed that the coworker had informed them on Monday about Habi’s demise in the missile strike on Saturday.
Habi has left behind two daughters, Alisha, aged 14, and Habiba, aged 8, who are now confronted with an uncertain future.
Firoz pleaded with the authorities to repatriate his brother’s remains and provide financial assistance for his daughters.
Expressing the same plea, Habi’s mother, Lucky Begum, tearfully stated, “I have been separated from my son for a decade. I just wish to see him one last time.” Noli Mia Paik, his father, echoed the sentiment.
Md Masudur Rahman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Munshiganj Sadar, revealed that the local administration has already extended financial aid of Tk 25,000 to the family. Additionally, he assured them of assistance in bringing Habi’s body back and facilitating support from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.