What happened to Jahirul?

Jahirul first came to Singapore in 2006 in hopes to secure a good paying job to support his family in Bangladesh. While this worked out for a number of years, a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in August 2023 robbed him of his ability to work. This meant that Jahirul could no longer receive income to support his parents and wife. As the sole breadwinner for his household of 3, this has placed a great amount of stress on Jahirul.

Jahirul is currently required to undergo supervised treatment for his TB at a polyclinic to ensure a complete recovery. Unfortunately, his employer has plans to terminate his work contract, citing concerns about his need for daily medication and the possibility of TB transmission to other workers, despite Jahirul’s assurance that he is no longer contagious. Given the daily medication requirements, Jahirul has chosen to prioritize his treatment, which has made it challenging for him to continue working.

How can you help?

Ray of hope is raising $3,400 to support Jahirul for the next 5 months ($680 x 5 months) while he completes his treatment. This will help Jahirul with some basic living expenses to cover for his lost wages. Funds raised will be transferred to the worker directly.

Find out more / Appeal from Jahirul:

41-year-old Jahirul was employed to work in Singapore as a General Worker in the construction industry in 2006. He was earning approximately $700 monthly, out of which he remitted $400 for his family’s living expenses.

Three years ago, Jahirul discovered a painless, small lump on his right shoulder, which he initially dismissed. However, as the lump continued to grow and multiplied earlier this year, he sought medical help. Upon examination, it was revealed that his lymph nodes had enlarged. Following several biopsies and CT scans, the diagnosis confirmed he had Tuberculosis (TB).

Jahirul must now receive supervised TB treatment at a polyclinic to ensure a full recovery. Despite explaining that he is no longer contagious, his employer won’t allow him to work due to concerns about infecting others and wants him to be repatriated soon. Jahirul shared that it may take up to six months to fully recover and this has left him perpetually anxious about his future and the financial burden on his family.