Sahara Begum, 65, the mother who bore Shah Alam, had been missing for nearly 17 years. At one point he and his family gave up hope of getting her back. That long wait has finally ended. With their mother returned after so many years, her son and the whole family are overjoyed.
The reunion happened on Friday (September 18) at Nayapara village in Fulmalir Chala, in Sagardighi union of Ghatail upazila, Tangail.
Sahara, who is mentally unwell, went missing from the house in early 2009. Her family made enquiries in various areas nearby without success. But her son Shah Alam did not give up. To find his beloved mother he borrowed money and bought a CNG-run auto-rickshaw. Alongside supporting the household, he searched for her in different parts of the country. Nearly 18 years passed in waiting to see his mother’s face again.
On Friday, Sahara appeared at a market near the house. On hearing the news that his mother had returned, Shah Alam rushed to her. He was overcome with emotion on finding her. The sudden, emotional meeting of mother and son left the scene heavy with feeling.
Shah Alam said: “I searched for 18 years and did not find my mother. I had no hope of getting her back. I am overjoyed to have found her. Even if she is not in her right mind, she is my mother. Being able to care for my mother after so many years is a great joy for me.”
A local man, Saiful Islam, said: “Sahara Begum went missing from the house when I was small. The whole family is very happy to have found her after so long.”
Md Habibullah said: “The incident has created a great stir in the area. Curious people are crowding to their house every day from various places. We are all delighted that Sahara Begum has come back. She cannot speak properly. Where she was all this time, and how she was, is not known.”