Rahman Mohammad Ataur moved to Singapore from Bangladesh in 2015 to find work, but in June 2016, his job nearly took his life.
Ataur was assigned to clean an underground water tank, but despite telling his supervisor that he smelled gas, he was pressured into entering the confined space with a halogen lamp.
“It was the moment I switched on that lamp that there was a big explosion,” said Ataur. “I didn’t even know what happened except that I was covered in flames.”
The space had been filled with gas, and the resulting blast nearly killed him.
“When my colleagues pulled me out, they couldn’t recognize me. The skin on my face was gone and I could see my bones,” he says. “I thought I was going to die.”
Ataur underwent countless surgeries to save his life, but he still requires medical treatment for his injuries. When his employer refused to continue paying last year, Ataur was left with a monumental bill.
To pay for the therapy, Ataur now has a Give Asia page where donors can help with the costs of his surgery for the reconstruction and elevation of his ears. So far, over $4,000 has been raised — still some way to go to the $15,000 goal.
Although Ataur was left with permanent pain and disability as a result of the accident, he began using his time to take English and computer classes as well as volunteer with Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics, an organization that helps migrant workers fight exploitation in Singapore.
He also returns regularly to the burn unit that saved his life to encourage other patients in their recovery.
“I want to encourage all other workers suffering from injuries,” said Ataur. “When you meet with difficulties in life, don’t give up!”
Singapore Health Services noticed his efforts, honoring him with their Inspirational Patient Award last year.
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