DHAKA: In their 60s now, Ruhul Amin Sarder, Bachchu Sarder and Chunnu Sarder walked to freedom from jail Thursday after serving long 23 years behind bars.

Convicted in a murder case in Shariatpur, the trio brothers were among 75 detainees who were released after the government took the decision to set free a little over a thousand convicts from 61 jails across the country.

Roman, son of Ruhul Sarder, was only two when his father was sent to jail.

Now Roman is at his mid-20s. He was waiting for his father outside the jail. As he saw Ruhul Amin coming out of the jail, he could not hold back his tears.

As his father crossed the bars, a young Roman saw someone who has grown gray and looked pale.

But the appearance could not make it gloomy. Roman ran into his father and hugged him tight, tears rolling down from their eyes.

“My father has grown old. I never enjoyed his love and affection until now, neither the affection of my uncles. I can’t control my emotions,” Roman said as he was wiping his tearful eyes.

They came out one after another from the jail. Their family members stood in long queue to greet their near and dear ones who just came out from the prison after serving many years for their misdeeds.

Ruhul Amin Sarder told banglanews24.com.bd that he was feeling great. “It’s after 23 years that I see everyone as a freeman.”

“I do not want to recall those days. The jail is a place for mending yourself. If you fail, you will remain as an inhuman,” he said.

BDST 2233 HRS, AUG 19, 2010