A bond severed by tragedy

Faisal and Hari Charan always counted on each other to tackle life's obstacles, because to see the world, Faisal needed Hari's help, as he was completely visually impaired. Hari himself, however, has low vision.

But whatever the circumstances were, they stuck together.

The duo used to live under the same roof in Gazipur's Tongi. Faisal, who was 28 years old, had to travel to Dhaka from Tongi on many occasions, and 46-year-old Hari was his guide every single time.

Unfortunately, on Friday, both of them arrived in Dhaka but could not return home together.

A recklessly driven covered-van hit them in Dhaka's Badda area around 12:15am yesterday, while they were crossing the road together, said Shahidul Islam, a sub-inspector of Badda Police Station.

Faisal, who was critically injured, was declared dead around 3am at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Hari Charan, who was also injured, fortunately survived.

Both the victims were members of a local NGO in Tongi called "Protibondhi Kalyan Sangstha" and used to live with other persons with disabilities, said the organisation's manager.

Police, the victim's relatives, and colleagues reckon Hari Charan survived as he could see the vehicle approaching.

The deceased's cousin Mozammel Hossain Rubel said Faisal had told his family that he worked at a packaging factory, but actually, he would try his best to support his wife and children by seeking alms in Dhaka.

Police seized the covered-van, but the driver fled away.