Lakshmipur woman prays for safe return of son held by Somali pirates

Homaira Begum, still mourning her husband's passing a month ago, received devastating news this week: her son Ayub Khan, along with 22 other crew members of the Bangladesh-flagged ship MV Abdullah, had been taken hostage by pirates.

At their home in Rakhalia village under Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur, Homaira's cries echoed on Wednesday as she anxiously awaited news of her son's fate.

Ayub has been working as an apprentice on the ship after getting his engineering degree from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University.

MV Abdullah, carrying coal, was en route to the UAE from Mozambique when it fell into the hands of pirates in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday.

Homaira said she last talked to Ayub over the phone on Monday afternoon. She had conversations with her other sons the next day, but it was not until later that night that she learned of the ordeal through her grandson. 

She then rang up her middle son and inquired him about it. He told her what had transpired but asked her not to worry about Ayub.

She has been in a state of shock and despair since learning about her son’s predicament. 

She said there was no news of Ayub and asked how he was doing before bursting into tears.

“All I want is my son back. For two days, I have been seeking solace in the Quran. Allah, please show us mercy. Ayub last came home 20-25 days ago when my husband died and stayed for only one day before returning,” Homaira sobbed, clinging to hope amid her anguish.

Ayub's friend Abdullah Al Maruf said everyone was praying for his safe return. “I wish that he comes back to us soon.”