The seven youngsters, brought back from Dubai, were handed over to their parents on October 31.

Sohel was overjoyed. "After all these years I will spend Eid at home with my own. This will be the best ever Eid present of my life," said the 12-year-old boy who returned home in August.

It was the annual Iftar party at the shelter home. The children gathered for a brief happy moment forgetting for a while what the future held or the tough life they been through.

Eight-year-old Sabiha who has been at the home for two years, got a red and white frock as an Eid gift. She was pleased with her gift, but her one wish is to reunite with her mother currently serving a sentence at the Chittagong jail.

A purple frock could not make nine-year-old Afsa happy, she was hoping for a Shalwar-Kamiz, while 16-year-old Hanufa's only wish is to find a job so that she can take care of her younger brother. Hanufa was rescued from traffickers two years back and has been living at the shelter home since then waiting to join her family waiting for legal procedures to be completed.

The home currently shelters 175 children, all having a heartbreaking story to tell.

As some wait for legal procedures to be completed, which in most cases take years, older boys and girls of the shelter receive vocational training. Hanufa has mastered the art of tailoring while others have learnt to make items from jute. Younger ones spend their time in school and play indoor games or watch TV in their free time.

While some children were relating their stories to this correspondent, the parents of 14-year-old Rubel all the way from Mymensingh was waiting downstairs to meet him. Three years ago they had sent their son to work in Dubai without knowing that he would be used as a camel jockey. They were now full of regret and wished they could take him back home before Eid.

The BNWLA has since August this year, returned 70 camel jockeys to their parents, while 47 more including Rubel are waiting for their turn. Other homes in and around the city are sheltering hundreds more. These young boys share almost the same story. They have all been willingly sent by their parents or illegally trafficked when they were very young. They can hardly speak Bangla but a weird mix of Bangla, Hindi and Arabic.

This Eid the boys and girls will receive clothes and a three-day grand feast, with an already set menu. The morning will begin with shemai. Biriyani, chicken roast, salad and coke will be laid for dinner.

Some girls wish to adorn their hands with henna on Chand Raat. They wish for a little cultural programme too. In their free time they have been making cards for the home Supervisor whom they affectionately call Mamony. The cards would probably speak words of gratitude.

However, Shamim, another camel jockey is not sure whether he wants to go home. He is confused and worried about his future. Whatever is in store for these children, they all seemed exuberant. The thought of the Eid treats are enough to bring joy for the moment.

(Name of the girls are not real)