Agartala: A 62-year-old Tripura man, Shahjahan, was reunited with his family on Tuesday after a harrowing 35-year ordeal in a Bangladeshi prison.
Shahjahan, also known as Bilas, crossed the border into Bangladesh in 1988 to visit relatives. His life took a tragic turn when he was wrongfully arrested and imprisoned on false charges.
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“I was subjected to brutal torture for nearly 14 days. They hung me from a fan, poured hot water on me, and rubbed chili powder on my face. Even after completing my 11-year sentence, I was illegally held captive for another 24 years,” Shahjahan recounted, describing the horrific treatment he endured at the hands of Bangladeshi police.
His family tirelessly advocated for his release, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bring him home. With the help of Mosahid Ali, chairman of the Zara Foundation in Agartala, and cooperation between the Indian and Bangladeshi governments, Shahjahan was finally repatriated through the Bibir Bazar – Sonamura Srimantpur check post.
“It’s like I’ve arrived in heaven. I have missed out on 35 years of my life, including the opportunity to raise my son and witness the birth of my granddaughter,” an emotional Shahjahan said upon returning to his family.
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Mosahid Ali condemned the inhumane treatment of Shahjahan and highlighted the plight of other Indians imprisoned in Bangladesh.
“This is a stark reminder of the urgent need to secure the release of those still languishing in Bangladeshi jails,” he said.
The ordeal has brought to light the ongoing issue of Indian citizens facing unjust imprisonment in neighboring countries.
As Shahjahan begins to rebuild his life, his case serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring hope for justice.