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New DELHI: Rashid Ahmed (78) is not sure what's more affecting celebrating Eid at home eight years late, or 18 months early. But the 78-year-old Bangladeshi sculptor, who spent eight years in jail for carrying fake currency, is certainly happy about riding the crest of a goodwill wave.
Sometime today, Rashid and his daughter-in-law Noor Nahar Lovely will touch down in their motherland, in time for the Eid lunch of pulao and chicken. That's a far cry from the prospect of jail food they were staring at days ago for being unable to pay a fine of Rs 3 lakh. The 'miracle' is a result of extraordinary cooperation between international agencies, Tihar Jail and some noble Delhiites.
Soon after his release from Tihar on Friday, Rashid told TOI he couldn't believe he was going home. "I have no words to express my joy. They say you can do the Haj without leaving home. For me, this trip is a million Hajs".
A TOI report about how Rashid and Noor, who spent seven years and 11 months in jail for carrying counterfeit currency, would be forced to spend 18 more months in jail if they did not pay the fine of Rs 3 lakh caught the attention of good samaritans Yogesh Kochhar, Ashish Wig and Chetan Seth. The three separately offered to pay the fine.
"This was almost competitive philanthropy. We were overwhelmed with the response, and extended all cooperation possible to facilitate their release from jail," said Tihar law officer and spokesperson Sunil Gupta.
But on Friday, everyone from the benefactors to officials from Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO), Tihar Jail and the Bangladesh High Commission worked in tandem. The fine was paid off, and the duo flew out of Delhi airport late on Friday night.
"Although we are from different countries, our basic culture and sensitivities and love for each other remain the same. Sending them home by Eid gives us the same satisfaction as bathing in the Ganges. They should reach home in time," said Ashish Wig's father Ravi Wig, who came to Tihar to pay the fine.
Last-minute confusion over tickets at the airport saw Yogesh Kochhar, director-strategic engagement for Microsoft India, step in to arrange tickets to Kolkata and settle the issue of 40kg excess baggage. Kochhar lugged their bags and stayed on to see them off. "Their situation was extremely moving, and we have to set an example for more people to follow. I am just sensitive and alive to a large number of people and their needs beyond my own desires," he said.
Delhi-based businessman Chetan Seth meanwhile arranged tickets on a Saturday morning flight from Kolkata to Dhaka. He had visited the duo in jail after reading TOI's report and made representations on their behalf to the Bangladesh High Commission to get their travel permits immediately. Wig approached the FRRO to expedite their exit visas that sometimes take weeks to arrive. "I wish more people in Delhi will help out like this in future. The government machinery was extremely cooperative," he said.
The FRRO office, which usually closes by 6pm, was teeming with officers on Friday evening. Senior officials rushed Rashid and Noor to the airport, and facilitated their tickets and immigration. Bangladesh High Commission officials in Kolkata have been alerted to help them board the Dhaka flight on Saturday morning.
Before leaving, Rashid said he was looking forward to seeing his daughter. Noor, though, was apprehensive. "I don't know how I will be treated back home. Everyone thinks I am a criminal because I could not prove my innocence," she said.
Her years in jail were also a time of grave personal loss. "I found out only last year that my 13-year-old daughter died in 2005... Though I had a good life in Dhaka earlier, I don't know what the future holds for me," she said. "I will start my work again," said Rashid, "Inshallah, I will fight back for my dignity and remember my friends in India."
"The Bangladesh High Commission is very happy with this. We all are grateful to the media and the great souls who have come together to secure the release of the ill-fated individuals. Indian media is upholding the rights of the people irrespective of race, colour and nationality. My heartfelt gratitude," said Nazibur Rahaman, minister (consular) of the Bangladesh High Commission.
Source
Sometime today, Rashid and his daughter-in-law Noor Nahar Lovely will touch down in their motherland, in time for the Eid lunch of pulao and chicken. That's a far cry from the prospect of jail food they were staring at days ago for being unable to pay a fine of Rs 3 lakh. The 'miracle' is a result of extraordinary cooperation between international agencies, Tihar Jail and some noble Delhiites.
Soon after his release from Tihar on Friday, Rashid told TOI he couldn't believe he was going home. "I have no words to express my joy. They say you can do the Haj without leaving home. For me, this trip is a million Hajs".
A TOI report about how Rashid and Noor, who spent seven years and 11 months in jail for carrying counterfeit currency, would be forced to spend 18 more months in jail if they did not pay the fine of Rs 3 lakh caught the attention of good samaritans Yogesh Kochhar, Ashish Wig and Chetan Seth. The three separately offered to pay the fine.
"This was almost competitive philanthropy. We were overwhelmed with the response, and extended all cooperation possible to facilitate their release from jail," said Tihar law officer and spokesperson Sunil Gupta.
But on Friday, everyone from the benefactors to officials from Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO), Tihar Jail and the Bangladesh High Commission worked in tandem. The fine was paid off, and the duo flew out of Delhi airport late on Friday night.
"Although we are from different countries, our basic culture and sensitivities and love for each other remain the same. Sending them home by Eid gives us the same satisfaction as bathing in the Ganges. They should reach home in time," said Ashish Wig's father Ravi Wig, who came to Tihar to pay the fine.
Last-minute confusion over tickets at the airport saw Yogesh Kochhar, director-strategic engagement for Microsoft India, step in to arrange tickets to Kolkata and settle the issue of 40kg excess baggage. Kochhar lugged their bags and stayed on to see them off. "Their situation was extremely moving, and we have to set an example for more people to follow. I am just sensitive and alive to a large number of people and their needs beyond my own desires," he said.
Delhi-based businessman Chetan Seth meanwhile arranged tickets on a Saturday morning flight from Kolkata to Dhaka. He had visited the duo in jail after reading TOI's report and made representations on their behalf to the Bangladesh High Commission to get their travel permits immediately. Wig approached the FRRO to expedite their exit visas that sometimes take weeks to arrive. "I wish more people in Delhi will help out like this in future. The government machinery was extremely cooperative," he said.
The FRRO office, which usually closes by 6pm, was teeming with officers on Friday evening. Senior officials rushed Rashid and Noor to the airport, and facilitated their tickets and immigration. Bangladesh High Commission officials in Kolkata have been alerted to help them board the Dhaka flight on Saturday morning.
Before leaving, Rashid said he was looking forward to seeing his daughter. Noor, though, was apprehensive. "I don't know how I will be treated back home. Everyone thinks I am a criminal because I could not prove my innocence," she said.
Her years in jail were also a time of grave personal loss. "I found out only last year that my 13-year-old daughter died in 2005... Though I had a good life in Dhaka earlier, I don't know what the future holds for me," she said. "I will start my work again," said Rashid, "Inshallah, I will fight back for my dignity and remember my friends in India."
"The Bangladesh High Commission is very happy with this. We all are grateful to the media and the great souls who have come together to secure the release of the ill-fated individuals. Indian media is upholding the rights of the people irrespective of race, colour and nationality. My heartfelt gratitude," said Nazibur Rahaman, minister (consular) of the Bangladesh High Commission.
Source
