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

Bangladeshis in Singapore

As Protesters celebrate Hasina’s resignationthe same is true for Bangladeshis in Singapore.

“Honestly, I feel relieved. The long night is finally over,” said Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury, a permanent resident who has lived in Singapore for 17 years.

The senior consultant hand surgeon at the Alpha Joint and Orthopaedic Hospital said many lives had been lost in the past few weeks and with her resignation, there was “no chance of further escalation” to prevent more deaths.

He added that the protests were not just about job quotas but “built-up discontent and anger” over the years due to a number of reasons including corruption and lack of free speech.

“We celebrate with students and ordinary people who have stepped up and done what people thought was impossible,” Dr. Muntassir said.

That said, the 46-year-old still worries about his family’s safety during the height of the protests, especially those against the government.

“Many of our family members around the world and at home have expressed solidarity with the protesters because we all believe this is a just cause.

“We are worried about government retaliation against those currently in Bangladesh, especially my brother’s family,” Dr Muntasir said.

Business owner Abdullah Hilton said his concerns peaked when he was unable to contact his family for weeks during the internet outage.

The Bangladeshi, who has lived in Singapore for 17 years, is also worried about his younger brother, a journalist who travels a lot for his work.

“We don’t know who’s going to shoot and who’s going to die,” the 41-year-old said.

and, A college student was killed It was only five minutes away from his parents’ house.

But both Mr Abdullah and Dr Muntassir said their concerns had been eased as the situation in their home countries began to improve.

Dr Muntasir said he was hopeful about the future of Bangladesh and noted that Prof Yunus was the “best person” to lead the country.

He said including the two student leaders who led the protests in the new cabinet would be one of the “greatest advantages” of the new cabinet in representing the voice of the people.

“We believe that people’s voices have been heard and this door will not be closed. This is a start.”

Likewise, Abdullah said the changes brought about by the protests will serve as a warning to the next government.

“Because of the student protests, the government formed in the future will not dare to do anything dishonest.”