Charity begins abroad !

It was early April in 1990. I was a émigré youth destined to an uncertain terminus in search of safety and freedom in every sense. Having been released after spending a couple of years in a cell "in charge of" taking part in movement against military dictator Ershad and threatened to be falsely imprisoned again; what better could I do but to manage myself to leave my dearest Bangladesh (the then Empire of Ershad)!

By this time I had worn my pullover as it was freezing and I got some of my dollars changed into local currency. I went to the Geneva Train Station close to the Geneva Airport. The only address that I had with me was of a long-term expatriate came from my locality in Bangladesh, Jayanta Roy, who used to live in Solothurn City. I bought myself a ticket to that obvious destination. Arriving there in time, thanks to the smiling face of Mr. Roy, I found a ray of hope before me. Both of us were happy at least for a while when he enquired about everybody back home and how everything was.

Mr. Roy and Mr. Nazrul Islam used to share a flat in Solothurn. I also began to live with them. As I was a student in Bangladesh, I was wondering to myself if I was able to do any course here; but unfortunately it was not possible for sensible reasons. I found myself utterly helpless and the only way open before me was to seek political asylum. And accordingly I did so. The authority transferred me to the capital city of Bern. After I arrived there, I was placed in a small town called Gumligen, the military Underground Base where all the asylum seekers were sheltered. After having stayed in Gumligen for three months, I was transferred to another Small City called Biel.

Due to the Gulf war in 1991, the tourism industry had a setback, so it was a bit difficult for me to find a job. All I did was wonder about and spend time with my newly made friends. I came into contact with an Indian guy called Satnam Singh who used to work for Reufenacht and Co. which was a gigantic business firm owned by twin brothers Mr. Heinz and Mr. Freddy Reufenacht. Singh introduced me with them. There I was asked where I was from, when I replied 'Bangladesh', I found them very much sympathetic to me. They hardly spent a second to offer me a job after enquiring about the then flood situation of Bangladesh. To my utmost amazement, they offered me a three bedroom flat above where Mr. Heinz used to live.

They never boasted the fact that they were so rich and worked like simple men. I have seen so many workaholics east and west in my life but none like the twins .

By the end of 1993, I got the summons from Bundesmant to leave Confoederatio Helvetica (Switzerland) immediately. Reufenacht brothers personally made an appeal on my behalf and that was rejected as well. Finally, I had to leave the country. At present I am settled in England with the family of my own, I have everything that I have wished for. But the biggest achievement of my life is that, I have learnt from Reufenachts to love and respect all people even the poor and needy ones of my own country.