A 41-year-old Bangladeshi cleaner working in Dubai lost his life in a hit-and-run accident while cycling to his job at a supermarket in 8 Boulevard Walk, Downtown Dubai. The tragedy occurred just two days after Saiful Islam had reached out to his colleague, asking for his favorite fish fry to be brought back from their hometown of Chittagong, a message that never reached his wife.
According to a Khaleej Times report, Saiful’s death has left his family in Bangladesh, including his wife Jasmine and their two young children, in a state of despair and financial insecurity. More than three weeks after the accident, the family is still in the dark about the repatriation of Saiful’s body, the identity of the perpetrator, and any compensation they might be entitled to. Jasmine, devastated, highlighted the inadequate support received from Saiful’s employer, totaling Dh1,200, questioning how she would raise her children without their father’s income.
The loss is compounded by the death of Saiful’s younger brother in a similar road accident in Bangladesh last year. Saiful’s cousin, Saifuddin, described him as a jovial family man with dreams of providing a better life for his loved ones. He criticized Saiful’s employer for attempting to repatriate the body without settling his dues or providing adequate compensation.
The Bangladesh Consulate in Dubai, through MD Arifur Rahman, First Secretary, stated that they are investigating the case. Saiful’s family might be eligible for compensation and repatriation expenses, provided Saiful had the necessary BMET clearance card, a detail still under scrutiny.
Community members from 8 Boulevard Walk have shown solidarity with Saiful’s family, offering financial support and mourning the loss of a familiar face in the neighborhood.