Jamil Shibli

Story

My Life as Deshantory (The Emigrant) !

I was born in Hobigonj City of Jalalabad-Sylhet region. From my very early years I used to Dream that when I would reach the Teenage stage I would permanently Quit my Country of Birth & Emigrate to an Island Country far away from this Native Land. Because the erstwhile East Pakistan (Presently Bangladesh was burdened with regular Floods, Crisis, Political unrest, over-population and being beset by various problems. So, many Ambitious, Daring Bangalee Teenagers, Young men, Educated or uneducated— all those people became ‘Emigrants’, going to the Developed prosperous Countries & due to their innate attempts they mostly became successful in their serious Endeavours! In 1978, after passing my HSC I was planning to Emigrate but the obstacles mounted by my Family, non-cooperation of all prevented me from quitting the Country. Then I became an involuntary internee for another 8 years. Then, bit by bit, gathered courage, strength, saved money, information and undertook the necessary survival training to make myself Daunting.

In 1986, I remember that very memorable Day in November, at last after overcoming all obstacles Finally Boarded that Plane of Singapore Airlines bound for Singapore. Ending the excitement & waiting, the Plane took off at 10 P.M.. I breathed a ‘ Sigh of Relief ‘. I Became Free from the internment. A new Life of the daunting Emigrant’s life had begun. In the Aircraft of Singapore, there were some Bangalees, Europeans, Singaporeans & various other people. One European asked me ‘Where are You Going?’ ‘ I am going to Australasia (Australia & NewZealand) via Singapore to Start a new Life; Better Life”. That European man retorted ‘Not a Bangla Man’s Chance !” I said ‘ How do You know ??” He said he had been to that Continent, around 90% of the population is English-Speaking, they established their own ethnic Dominance, and would not allow other Ethnic people to have a Chance. I retorted ‘I am Jamil Shibli’ and added that I did not believe those types of Superstitions. I would make an Exception and win. He said ‘Yes, I can See that’ In the early morning the Airplane was fast heading towards the Beautiful Island Country- The Republic of Singapore.

At last Landed we landed there & disembarked. The heart became filled with the pleasant breeze of the morning. I breathed in with my heart’s content, Looked and Glanced around. Fresh Air! The Singapore Immigration Official said ‘ Welcome to the Republic of Singapore ‘ My life became fulfilled! I felt ‘ Now, I am a Free man after crossing over all the hurdles.’ I stayed with my relatives over there in Singapore, then went to Malaysia, obtained the New Zealand Visa. Decided that I would first migrate to New Zealand & acquire Resident Status and following the achievement of my NZ Citizenship would go to Australia. After my stay in Singapore, I again boarded the Singapore Airlines Flight to New Zealand. We Left the ‘ Changi International Airport of Singapore ‘ for the New Zealand…and at dawn saw that we had been flying over the Great Australian desert. Thereafter the Tasman Sea … I came in Sight of New Zealand, that evergreen land. Gradually we approached the Coastal land and then New Zealand itself. Relentlessly, the Big Hauled Jumbo Jet was heading towards the Coastal area and to the Airport. The vibrant Bluish-green Pacific Ocean’s waves are breaking at the beaches, Sudden strong flows of the Whirlwinds had Shaken the powerful Jumbo. The Airplane gradually lowered its altitude over the tormented Sea, the Landing wheels were coming out and after a short time were touching the strong paved grounds of the Airport\’s runway…Praise be to God, the Plane finally touched the runway at the banks after low Flying over the Sea waves. There after docked at the Terminal. The NZ Immigration official smiled a Pacific smile and said ‘Welcome to the Dominion of Aotearoa-New Zealand ‘ Long time after a long dream, I felt ‘ I am really at my Dream’s Destination of New Zealand ! ‘ Instantly I Started a daunting and daring life of a new immigrant. Step by step, I did achieve everything that I had been intending to do. So, after achieving my New Zealand Citizenship,a New Zealand Passport in my hand went ahead to Australia in March 1990. went ahead to Australia in March 1990. After Arriving in Australia, I found it smart ! Pretty smart !! In the Long run, I also obtained the Australian citizenship after an official ceremony in July 2000. A journey that begun in my mind, in my imaginations, the dream that came into realityÉ.Yes,it was an achievement of my long hard Labour of Decades. The rebellious common man who came from the Jalalabad-Sylhet region & then became a Changed new man with a newer identity.

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