Suman is a devoted husband and father of three young daughters, aged 13, 9, and 3. He comes from a rural village in Bangladesh and describes himself simply: “I’m a village person.” Like many fathers before him, he made a difficult choice to leave home so his family could have a better future. He trained at a specialised centre to prepare for construction work in Singapore, believing deeply in the promise of this country. “I’m happy coming to Singapore because Singapore rules and regulations are very strict,” he shared. To him, Singapore represented safety, fairness, and a place where hard work could lead to stability.

Since 2008, Suman has worked here with one clear purpose. “My whole life is to support myself,” he said, meaning that he has always relied on his own labour to survive and to send money home. As the sole breadwinner, he supports not only his wife and daughters, but also his elderly parents. Back home, his family live as farmers. His long-term dream was modest and grounded: to work hard, save steadily, and one day return to run a small cow and chicken farm. “I can take care of my family. That is my dream.”

When an Injury Put Everything on Hold

That dream was abruptly interrupted by a serious workplace accident that left Suman with a broken leg. Months of immobility followed. With unpaid medical leave wages and an ongoing injury compensation process, he has been left without income. The basic provisions he initially relied on have since ceased. “They didn’t pay insurance, it’s not my fault,” Suman said quietly. “They never thinking I have family, I have baby.”

Today, Suman’s leg has only about 40 percent functionality. Even if it fully heals, he knows he may no longer be able to carry heavy loads, making a return to construction work uncertain. “My future plan has died. When I ok I also don’t know,” he admitted, describing the uncertainty he now lives with.

Yet, despite everything, Suman does not speak with bitterness. He is grateful simply to be alive. He continues attending physiotherapy and counselling, doing everything he can to recover. He still believes in the system here. “Singapore is very nice country. Government is responsible,” he said, recalling how workers were cared for during difficult periods. What keeps him going is the thought of his daughters and the hope that one day, he can again say with confidence, “I can cover my family, I can cover myself.”

A Bridge of Dignity While He Waits

This campaign is about giving Suman a bridge of dignity while he waits for his injury compensation assessment to conclude. He has exhausted his savings and is currently relying on borrowing from friends or occasional food support. Without timely help, he faces food insecurity and an increasingly uncertain future in Singapore.

We are raising funds to cover six months of basic living expenses, totalling $2,580. The monthly support of $430 covers his expenses for food, transport and mobile phone.  These essentials will ensure that Suman can eat properly, stay connected, and travel to his physiotherapy sessions, which are critical to improving his leg function and increasing his chances of regaining independence.

This support will not solve everything. But it will give Suman breathing room. It will allow him to wait through this forced period of unemployment without losing his dignity, his health, or his hope. 

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.