Hyderabad: The Bangladesh crisis, which on Monday forced Sheikh Hasina to resign as the country’s Prime Minister and flee to Delhi, left Bangladesh natives in the city and also Indians living here with roots in Bangladesh distraught.
One among them is Mohammed Ahsan Habib, originally from Dinajpur, pursuing theatre arts, who wanted to try his luck in Tollywood.
“My parents live in a remote area, which is unaffected by the unrest, but I am worried about my friends and batch-mates from school and college. Many are active in the agitation and I am concerned about their safety. Today I spoke to one of my seniors in college, who said that he was among those who had entered the prime minister’s mansion,” Habib told Deccan Chronicle.
He added, “This is such a sad day, I wish normalcy is restored soon and we get a life similar to that in India, where one can explore different kinds of art, unhindered. I am living in Hyderabad for the past two years. I never felt homesick because people here are so warm and helpful.”
Shreyosree Sarkar, a student from University of Hyderabad, said, “I am worried about the current situation in Bangladesh. Although I initially agreed with the quota movement, I am now quite apprehensive about the direction the situation is taking. I am concerned about my seniors, juniors, and family."
She added, “I have been in Hyderabad for more than two years. I won't say that I don't get homesick, but it's hard to feel that way with the pressure of classes and work. The teachers and friends here are very friendly and try to keep us engaged. However, I miss my family during festivals because the culture of Bangladesh is very different from the culture here.”
Many Bengali families, staying in and around Hitec City and Financial District, have their roots in Bangladesh.
“We can feel the pain of the students who are protesting on the streets of Bangladesh and their sacrifices. They are always in our minds and in our prayers,” said another with Bangladesh roots.
Bangladesh native, Saswata Ray, vice-president of an Austrian company, living in the city for the last 32 years, said, “Many of us heard from our grandparents about their ancestral home in the then undivided India, which is now part of Bangladesh. Now, when we hear about the unrest and breakdown of law and order – our heart goes to the unfortunate souls. We feel sorry for those falling victims to the violence and their families.”
