‘As if a part of my son has returned’

Twelve days after firefighter Nurul Huda sacrificed his life while battling the devastating chemical fire in Gazipur's Tongi, a new life entered his home -- a baby boy who will never see his father.

The child was born around 10:30am yesterday at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, bringing both tears and solace to a family still mourning the loss of their beloved one.

"My son gave his life serving the nation, and today Allah has blessed us with his son -- as if a part of my son has returned. It's a moment filled with both joy and sorrow," Nurul's father Abul Mansur told The Daily Star.

He sought prayers for the baby.

"Nurul had been kind and helpful since his childhood. He was always the first to help others, and now, while trying to help others, he gave his own life," said Nurul's cousin Mostafa Kamal.

Nurul Huda, a member of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, was among those who rushed into the flames at a chemical warehouse in Tongi on September 22, risking everything to save others.

He suffered severe burns while trying to extinguish the fire. Despite days of treatment and prayers at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, he lost his battle for life on September 24.

Two other firefighters and a shop employee also succumbed to the injuries they sustained in the fire.

Born on July 21, 1987, in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, Nurul Huda joined the force in 2007 with a dream to serve his country and protect lives.

In his 17 years of service, he lived true to that vow -- even to his last breath, fire service officials said.

Nurul Huda left behind a grieving wife, a 10-year-old daughter, a 3-year-old son, and now a newborn baby -- a child who will grow up hearing stories of his father's courage and dedication.