Shafiqul Islam – 2023 SG Silent Hero

Shafiqul Islam, fondly known as Shafiq Bhai amongst the Migrant Workers of Singapore has an astounding presence in the migrant worker fraternity in Singapore. Mr Shafiqul Islam a Bangladeshi working here in Singapore.

He runs the very popular Facebook page “সিঙ্গাপুর টু ঢাকা” (Singapore to Dhaka) for the benefit of the Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore. His contribution during the Covid Pandemic and thereafter, in taking care and educating the migrant worker community is highly commendable.

Shafiq has been working diligently for the welfare of the Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore since Covid and still ongoing even now.

His Facebook page has become a major source of information for over 100,000 Bangladeshis workers residing in Singapore, being a place for translated up-to-date news from verified sources which includes the MOM, MOH website, Channel NewsAsia, Straits Times and also providing the workers with policies, news and directives provided by the government in Bengali.

During this pandemic period when many have lost hope, and was depressed and in great difficulty he has also been hosting different shows with the aid of other migrant brothers, NGOs, and healthcare workers starting from competitions, recreational events, question and answer sessions and shows on health advice.

This had an enormous impact on the mental wellbeing of the migrant community. Even today he receives calls and messages from migrant workers numbering nearly a hundred a day which he tries to answer as much as possible.

He proactively interacts and supports MOM and the Singapore Police Force plus other national institutions like the Singapore Football association to ensure a fruitful, happy and productive environment for our migrant brothers for the benefit of them and Singapore.

In recent times he has:

1. Organised events along with MWC, MOM and Singtel

2. Organised the 1st ever iftar event for breaking fast during Ramadan for the migrant brothers, sponsored, supported and organised by the migrant brothers only.

3. Helped Singapore Police with awareness activities against scams.

4. Is an active member, volunteer leader and publicity lead of the “Wandering Dervishes” which is the first linguistic based monthly health consultations in the dormitories in Singapore.

This initiative is run by 3 senior surgeons from Sengkang General Hospital 5. Has helped the Singapore Football association in the recent football matches in Singapore.

Mr Shafiq Islam is thankful to have been given the opportunity to serve his fellow human beings. And especially so alongside excellent team-mates.

He believes that we should all use the gift of our lives to make this world a better place, especially at this time. Together, he believes we have managed to get through this really difficult time, and we have learnt what is truly important in life: family, friendship, love, and above all, our health. He wants to keep doing what he does best – take care and be there for the people who needs his help.