15-month wait for Bipin Joshi’s safe return continues

KATHMANDU: Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student from Far-Western University in the “Earn and Learn” program, has been held captive by Hamas for 15 months.

Bipin was taken hostage during the group’s attack on Israel’s southern region, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

Despite relentless efforts, his family has yet to receive any updates on his condition, leaving them in anguish.

Bipin’s parents, Mahananda and Padma Joshi, along with his sister Pushpa, have been desperately awaiting his safe return.

“Fifteen months have passed in hope. When will the government bring my son back?” his mother pleaded. The family has approached various government officials, including the Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and Nepal’s Ambassador, urging them to secure Bipin’s release.

Hopes were briefly raised when news broke of Hamas releasing 34 hostages. However, Bipin’s name was not on the list, plunging the family back into despair. “Other countries’ citizens are being freed, but we are still waiting,” his father Mahananda said. He criticized the government for failing to prioritize diplomatic efforts.

Bipin was among 39 Nepali students sent to Israel under a study-and-work program. Shortly after their arrival, Hamas launched a deadly attack, killing 10 Nepali students.

The Joshi family believes that increased diplomatic pressure, especially through Qatar, could facilitate Bipin’s release. They have urged Nepal’s government to work more actively with international mediators.

On Monday, the family shared a heartfelt message on social media, wishing Bipin a happy birthday and renewing their plea for his release. “We still believe he will return safely,” said his brother Kishor Joshi. “But it feels like our government’s efforts have fallen short compared to other nations.”

The Joshi family remains steadfast in their calls for action, urging Nepal to intensify diplomatic efforts to bring Bipin home.