Of friendship lost in time...

"Want to connect with my old friends", read the title of a newspaper advertisement.

"Alauddin of Pabna, Nurul Islam of Cumilla's Talpukur, Abbas of Rajshahi, Monir of Noakhali, Sucharita of Barishal, Rehena  of Tangail and Hannan of Pabna were my dear friends. We were all employed in Libya. My phone number is given below. If any of you recognise me, please reach out," the advert added.

Haji Abdul Majid, 76, recently came to Bangladesh from Australia solely with the goal to rekindle the friendship he once held dear. Memories of  his friends echoed in the corners of his soul as he yearned to reunite with them, whom he had befriended while toiling together in a distant land -- Libya.

They made memories of a lifetime together. Now, separated by time and circumstances, Majid sought to bridge the gap and reconnect with the friends who had once been like family to him.

Every time my phone rings, I feel a surge of hope, believing that it might be one of my friends who saw the advertisement. However, this optimism is often followed by disappointment when the calls do not turn out to be from them.

— Abdul Majid

However, he bids farewell to  Bangladesh today with a void in his heart. Despite his efforts, the advertisements he published on two national newspapers have yielded no response.

"But I'll  return again. I'm not giving up on my friends so easily," he added.

Earlier, The Daily Star met with him in person at his residence in Barishal's Banglabazar area, where he shared stories about his long lost friends.

Born on February 10, 1947, in Kathipara village of Jhalakathi's Nalchiti, Majid completed his primary education at Shatapika Primary School in Nalachiti, higher education at Nalachiti Merchant Institute and college education at Govt BM College.

He later completed his diploma from Swedish Pakistani Institute of Technologies in Kaptai, Chattogram.

Majid then joined the Power Development Board (PDB) for a while. Later, in pursuit of greater opportunities, he embraced a new chapter in Libya's power development sector, where he found not only professional growth but also deep and enduring friendship.

The company of his Bangladeshi friends filled his expatriate life with joy, and for nearly three decades, he treasured the memories they made together.

"When we were in Libya, we used to party every night after work. We had a lot of fun," he said, as his eyes lit up, reminiscing the bygone days.

Having worked in Libya for a decade until 1986, Majid later returned to Bangladesh for a short period before eventually settling in Australia. He has been living in Australia for more than 30 years now, building a life there with his wife, two daughters, and a son.

Despite finding a new home in Australia, Majid still holds a sentimental attachment to his past in Libya.

"Every time my phone rings, I feel a surge of hope, believing that it might be one of my friends who saw the advertisement. However, this optimism is often followed by disappointment when the calls do not turn out to be from them," he added.

"At least if we could meet once -- once before I die, I would be satisfied," Majid said, as his voice choked.