While people in the rest of the country are preparing to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their loved ones, any such excitement over the coming of the major Muslim festival, expected across the country on Monday, eludes residents of Rangamati.

Some 156 people were killed in fatal landslides in five hilly south-eastern districts of Bangladesh on June 13. Rangamati was by far the worst affected, with 120 of the deaths occurring there, including 5 army officers.

At least 2000 families of the district have been leading their lives in constant misery and anxiety over the future, after losing their family members, residences, wealth and property.

Returning to their devastated homes is no longer an option, with most staying at disaster shelter centres and passing their days in uncertainty. Where they will go? What they will eat? They do not know.

They apprehend further landslides for hilly rain. They do not sleep at night. Eid holds little meaning for them. There is no celebration and arrangement of Eid to speak of.

Instead, many are confined to mourning the loss of relatives.

The survivors of affected Bhedvedi Muslimpara, Natunpara, Rupnagar, and Shimultali, are passing sleepless days in fear and depression.

Many of the injured left the hospital but they bore intolerable pain in their bodies.

Some said the joy of having escaped death can be greater than the joy of Eid.

The district administration said all the steps will be taken for those who have taken refuge in the disaster shelter centers to allow them to celebrate Eid.

Living in the hilly regions will always carry the risks of more landslides. But despite this disaster, Rangamati will be full of life and colour once again, once time heals the wounds they carry.

All they ask for is the authorities to help them get back their feet by arranging for them to rebuild and get back to living in their own homes again.