Leave requests, paperwork delays: Singapore construction firms feel the effects of Bangladesh unrest

BANGLADESHIS IN SINGAPORE

As protesters celebrate Hasina’s departure, so are Bangladeshis in Singapore.

“Frankly speaking, it was a sense of immense relief. The long dark night had finally ended,” said Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury, a Singapore permanent resident of 17 years. 

Many lives were lost in the past few weeks and with her resignation, there was “no chance of further escalation” in the situation that could lead to further deaths, said the senior consultant hand surgeon at Alpha Joints and Orthopaedics.

He added that the protests were not just about the job quotas but rather a “cumulation of unhappiness and anger” over the years due to many reasons including corruption and lack of freedom of speech. 

“The students and the common people had dared to stand up and had done something which everyone thought was an impossibility, and we rejoice with them,” said Dr Muntasir. 

That being said, the 46-year-old was concerned about the safety of his family back home during the height of the protests, particularly from the government.

“Many of our family members around the globe and at home had expressed their solidarity with the protesters as we all believed it was a righteous and just cause. 

“We were afraid of retribution from the government on the ones who were currently in Bangladesh, especially my elder brother’s family,” said Dr Muntasir. 

Business owner Abdullah Hilton said his worries peaked when he could not contact his family for weeks during the internet outage. 

The Bangaldeshi, who has been in Singapore for 17 years, was also concerned about his younger brother, a journalist who moves around frequently for his job. 

“We (didn’t) know who was going to shoot, who was going to die,” said the 41-year-old.

And it did not help that the spot where a university student was killed was just five minutes away from his parents’ home. 

But both Mr Abdullah and Dr Muntasir said their concerns have been alleviated as things start looking up for their home country.

Dr Muntasir said he is hopeful about Bangladesh’s future, pointing out that Professor Yunus is the “best choice” to lead the country. 

The inclusion of the two student leaders from the group that led the protests in the new Cabinet will be one of its “greatest strengths” in representing people’s voices, he said. 

“We believe the people have been heard and that door will not be closed. It’s a start.” 

Likewise, Mr Abdullah said the changes the protests brought will serve as a warning for the next government. 

“Because of the student protesters, the government (that) will be formed in the future will not dare to do anything dishonest.”