After a dramatic escape from Afghanistan and two weeks in hotel quarantine, Zekria and his family are free

A security guard who worked at Australia’s embassy in Kabul says he and his family are excited to leave hotel quarantine today, but still fear for those left behind. 

Zekria Bakhshi, his wife and five children fled the Afghan capital last month as the Taliban took control, arriving in Adelaide on an Australian Defence Force evacuation flight just over a fortnight ago.

“My journey was really difficult because we really didn’t travel in a normal situation,” Mr Bakhshi said.

“It was very frightening — chaos, killings, suicide bombers.

“We cannot believe that we are sound and safe, we are in Australia, it seems like we are dreaming, this is reality, we survived and are here well and safe.”

Though they are relieved and thankful to be here, the family was rocked by news on Friday that Mr Bakhshi’s nephew had been shot by the Taliban.

Hamidreza Nazari, 27, was his family’s sole breadwinner, and his family believe he was killed because of his brother’s ties to the US military.

“He was a harmless man,” Mr Bakhshi said.

Mr Bakhshi said his nephew was killed as retribution because his brother, who had worked with the US forces, had been evacuated.

“The Taliban shot him on the spot,” he said.

“This is the situation for Afghans who have been working alongside western forces.”

Mr Bakhshi expressed concern that the families of between 35 to 40 people he worked alongside at the Australian embassy could meet the same fate.

“We were working together, we were like a family and we had a bond of friendship and I feel sorry for them and always remember them,” he said.

“I hope we can help them and rescue them in the near future.

“We haven’t had any other choice, we loved our country, we love our cultural connections, but unfortunately we haven’t had any other choice, other than to leave the country and leave everyone behind.”

Afghans encouraged to apply for visas by government

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said those still in Afghanistan should apply for protection.

“An initial 3,000 humanitarian places have been allocated to Afghan nationals within Australia’s 13,750 annual program.

“The government anticipates this initial allocation will increase further … particular priority will be given to persecuted minorities, women and children and those who have links to Australia.”

Today, the Bakhshi family left quarantine, and South Australia’s Afghan community was ready to greet them with a bevy of donated goods.

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Afghan Cultural Association SA’s public officer Behishta Anwar said Australia had stepped up to welcome the new arrivals.

“They need phones because it’s either been damaged or they’ve lost it, SIM cards, kitchenware, just your usual household items, because they’ve literally come with nothing, just the pairs of clothes that they’re wearing, that’s all.”

The association held a fundraiser yesterday to raise further funds for those still in their home country.

A fashion show displaying cultural clothing from all over Afghanistan expressed a message of hope.

“When you have different nations and ethnics come together, you get these different experiences as well as the diversity and the beauty,” Ms Anwar said. 

“And when all that comes together, it’s a lot more stronger and you can do so much better when you unite.”