Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
For 10 years, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates was the safest city in the world. Now, fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and drones terrorise the skies over the city.
The Emirati air defence system is sounding sirens to warn residents.
This Eid-ul-Fitr, an atmosphere of worry and even panic, pervades the city.
Bangladeshi expatriates living in the UAE are celebrating Eid on Friday. However, the usually festive atmosphere is muted. They are only praying that the war will end soon.
The US and Israel’s war on Iran has entered its 21st day. Due to the US’s military presence in Gulf countries, Iran has also attacked nations like the UAE.
Though the Emirates has not suffered heavy losses so far, a prolonged conflict in the region will sharply impact the economy. Migrant workers, including Bangladeshi expatriates, may pay a heavy price.
Eid congregations will not be held in Eidgahs or open spaces in the Emirates this year for security reasons. There will also be no traditional Eid celebrations.
The number of Bangladeshis legally residing in the UAE is around 850,000. However, the actual number is closer to 1.2 million.
This means Bangladeshi expatriates make up more than 7 per cent of the total population of the country. In terms of the expatriate population in the country, Bangladeshis are second only to Indians and Pakistanis.
Iftekhar Hossain Babul, who has been living in the Emirates for almost 40 years, says he has never seen such an Eid.
He said that the UAE is a country that seeks peace and development. Abu Dhabi, which is rich in petroleum, and Dubai, the international tourism and business hub, are peaceful places, he said.
“I never thought that the Emirates would ever be in a war. Like the citizens of this country, we expatriates are also worried about the war, but the government has still been able to keep us safe.”
Babul, from Chattogram’s Rangunia, lives in Abu Dhabi. He is a businessman by profession and is also known as a community leader.
He said, “We will spend Eid in the midst of fear and anxiety. Even then, we will try to make this Eid as joyful as possible alongside our community members, so that we can get some relief from this anxiety. We hope that the crisis will be resolved quickly through international diplomacy.”
Mohammad Nowsher Ali is an engineer, working for a company called Urban Readers in Dubai.
He said, “This year’s Eid will be remembered for many reasons. First of all, this year’s Ramadan was in the winter. I can’t remember when I had such a wonderful Ramadan. Meanwhile, a war has started.”
Nowsher, who has been living in the Emirates for 36 years, hails from Brahmanbaria. He thanked the Emirates government for its sincere efforts in keeping residents safe.
Nowsher said, “This year’s Eid may not be a grand celebration, but there is no lack of community feeling and brotherhood. Under these special circumstances, arrangements are being made to enjoy Eid safely at home. Eid Mubarak.”
Rima Farooq is a writer and organiser living in Dubai. This Eid is different for her too.
“There is news of war all around. Fear and uncertainty among the people. There is also a kind of silent suffering mixed with joy. The ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran has thrown the lives of many people in the Middle East into uncertainty.
“All of this burdens our minds. Still, we should not forget the real lesson of Eid. We have to be by each other’s side with compassion and love.”
Rima, who hails from Habiganj, has been living as an expatriate for 16 years. According to her, those who are still living safely as expatriates amid this war have even greater responsibilities.
“On this Eid, let us not limit ourselves to our own joy, but pray for the people affected by war, feel their pain, and extend a helping hand as much as possible,” she said.
“Eid is not just about festivals, Eid means a connection of hearts! Finding light, even in dark times! Therefore, we will not lose hope. Because after every difficult time, relief comes.”
Engineer Muhammad Moinul Islam works at the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority. He lives in the Muhaisnah area of Dubai.
He said, “I have been living in this safe country with my family for nearly two decades. But this year’s Eid is completely different. We are regularly getting word of everyone’s concerns and anxiety about us from home.
“We are celebrating Eid in such a hostile and combative situation. I have never experienced anything like this in the last 20 years.”
Moinul hails from the Khulna district. He said, “This time, we will celebrate Eid in a quiet and peaceful manner, with the hope for a conflict-free and peaceful environment in the future. I wish everyone well and hope for a safe and secure society and civilization for everyone.”
Ghiyas Uddin is an expatriate entrepreneur living in Abu Dhabi, who hails from Noakhali’s Companiganj. He has been living as an expatriate for 16 years and is engaged in a joint business in the UAE alongside some Indian entrepreneurs.
He said, "This year's Eid is a bit scary, a bit nervous for us. A few people have already lost their lives in the missiles fired by Iran. Officially, we have been advised to refrain from going around and gathering together during this Eid.
"Our loved ones at home are worried about us. They are urging us to return home. All in all, even if this Eid is a bit gloomier than previous Eids, we will still try to share the joy."
Abu Tayyab Chowdhury, an expatriate writer, organiser and businessman living in Abu Dhabi, echoed the sentiment. He hails from Chattogram’s Raozan, but has been living as an expatriate for three decades.
Tayyab said he is celebrating Eid in a changed atmosphere, somewhat similar to those during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We live in a beautiful, safe country. Still, on these special days, there is a void in my heart for my family and loved ones. This time, amid this war, I feel that absence even more strongly.
“May Allah keep all my loved ones well. Eid Mubarak to all.”