How a group of Bangladeshi media professionals found healing, nature, and “home” through a two-day escape to the coast. By Sayd Haque
For many people living far away from their home country, Eid is a day of mixed feelings. It is a time of joy, but also a time when we deeply miss our families in Bangladesh. This year, the Bangladesh Community Press Club Malaysia (BCPM) decided to spend the holiday together. They went on a trip to Melaka to find peace in nature and comfort in friendship.
Bright Lights and Shared Stories
The trip began on the afternoon of Eid day, March 21st. After morning prayers and visiting friends in Kuala Lumpur, the group—including members like Bappi Kumar Das and Shoukot Hossain Jony—left the busy city at 2:00 PM. As they drove toward Melaka, the stress of work began to disappear.
When they reached Melaka in the evening, the city was glowing. The group walked along the Melaka River under the soft streetlights and watched the colorful trishaws go by. Mohammad Ali shared his thoughts: “Walking by the river in the cool night air makes you feel the history of this place. It’s not just a trip; it’s a way to feel connected again.” The group laughed and told stories, making the “expat life” feel much less lonely.
The Mosque on the Water
On the second morning, after a healthy breakfast and a refreshing morning walk, the group visited the famous Malacca Straits Mosque. This beautiful building sits right on the edge of the sea. When the tide is high, it looks like it is floating on the water.
Standing there, looking at the endless blue ocean, everyone felt a deep sense of calm. Khandakar Mostaq Ahmed reflected on the view, noting: “In the vastness of the ocean, our worries seem small. This mosque reminds us of the beauty of balance.”
Island Life and Fresh Air
To get even closer to nature, the journey continued to Jeti Anjung Batu, where a boat carried the group to the mystical shores of Pulau Besar. This island is full of green trees and fresh, clean air.
The afternoon was spent in the most natural way possible: feet in the sand and bodies in the water. Swimming in the ocean and breathing in the unpolluted island air offered a “reset” for the soul. Between the splashes and the sun-soaked conversations, the members—including Mustafa Imran Raju, Kaysar Hamid Hannan, Sayd Haque, Rafiq Ahmad Khan, and Mohammad Abdul Kader—found that nature is a great healer for a homesick heart.
Jahirul Islam Hiron added, “There is a special peace you find when you leave the noisy city. Being here with brothers who understand your journey makes the distance from home feel a little shorter.”
A Message from BCPM As the trip came to an end with a final celebratory dinner in Melaka City, the group reflected on why this journey was so important. The BCPM shared a heartfelt message for all those living abroad:
“In the life of a migrant, Eid joy can feel empty because we are far from our roots. But by coming together in the lap of nature, we share our happiness and our sorrows. We learn that we are never truly alone when we have each other.”
“Expat life can make the joy of Eid feel bittersweet,” noted Md. Aminul Islam, President of BCPM. “By coming together in nature, we turn that solitude into a shared celebration.”
The group returned to Kuala Lumpur late on March 22nd, tired in body but vibrant in spirit. They proved that while we may be far from our original homes, we can always find a sense of belonging in the beauty of the world and the company of good friends.
