Perfect day for breaking the ice

For years, they were best friends. They used to hang out together as their circle of friends was the same. They shared their joys and also found each other in distress.

But suddenly one day, about 30 years ago, Jelal Hossain and Habikat Mia had a quarrel over a piece of land and they stopped talking to each other.

After that, they two men saw each other almost every day at what was Banshpachai enclave in Lalmonirhat Sadar but nothing could break the ice between them. Being neighbours, they also used to offer their prayers at the same mosque.

But yesterday, Jelal and Habikat, both in their 90s now, became friends again as the sense of freedom following decades' old wait wiped out the distance between them.

They hugged each other emotionally.

The reunion brought tears of joy to eyes of many.

About 700 people live in the area that has just become a part of Bangladesh. These two are the most seniors there. People call them nana (grandfather).

The two friends said even though the issue relating to the disputed land was yet to be resolved, they were overwhelmed with joy and excitement that they were becoming Bangladesh citizens at last.   

"The exchanging of enclaves [by Bangladesh and India] has returned me my friend after 30 years," said Jelal.

Habikat said he would always be with Jelal like the old days.

Jelal has three sons, two daughters and 15 grandchildren while Habikat is the father of four children and grandfather of nine. Both of them lost their wives many years ago.

Mafirul Islam, 58, a witness to the reunion of the two friends, said the two had quarrelled over the ownership of only five decimal of land.

"But today [yesterday] is the great day for them. They offered Juma prayers together. We all are happy to see them reunited again at this stage of life," he said.

According to the historic land boundary agreement between Bangladesh and India, all the 162 enclaves in the two neighbouring countries were dissolved yesterday midnight. And those who used to live in the enclaves are now citizens of either Bangladesh or India.