Dhaka, April 14 -- Eid day came and went, but there were no festivities at the homes of the MV Abdullah sailors who had been taken hostage by Somali pirates. Their families instead waited, anxiously, for any news of their loved ones.

But now that they have been released, the joy has been restored.

"My son is free," said Lutfe Ara Begum, the mother of freed sailor Ainul Haque. "I have no words to express how wonderful it is."

"Eid came, but there was no joy in our home. I spoke to Ainul the day before Eid. Then I couldn't speak to him for two days. We were very worried about his release."

She expressed her gratitude and delight that her son and his co-workers were freed so quickly.

"I am thankful to the ship owners, the honourable pri...