Bangladeshi Worker in Singapore Lost Hard-Earned Salary in Theft Incident

For many foreign workers, life in a different country is filled with challenges. They often leave behind their families and endure long hours of labor to send money back home. Every dollar they earn represents hours of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. In such a situation, the loss of even a small amount of money can be devastating.

This reality became even more painful for Rijvee Nitu, a Bangladeshi worker in Singapore when his bag was allegedly stolen on August 31, 2024, while he was working at a shop on Eunos Crescent 5. Rijvee shared his distressing experience through a post on Complaint Singapore, which was later shared by @/sgfollowsall on Instagram.

The bag contained his work permit, bank card, crucial certificates, and S$300 in cash—a sum representing 11 days of his hard-earned salary.

Caught on Camera

The video capturing the thieves provided a detailed look at how the incident unfolded. It began with the wife of the couple noticing the unattended bag outside the shop. Seizing the opportunity, they set up a plan to take it. The husband pretended to be a casual shopper, browsing the store and reading a newspaper while keeping a watchful eye on the bag. Meanwhile, his wife stood outside, seemingly guarding the bag.

As they observed, they saw that no one was coming forward to claim the bag. Confident that the bag was theirs for the taking, the husband approached his wife. They conducted a final check to ensure that no one was watching them too closely. Once they were satisfied that the coast was clear, they grabbed the bag and walked away, blending in with the crowd as if they were simply another couple enjoying a day out.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

The video sparked a wide range of reactions from the online community. Some expressed outrage and disappointment at the actions of the couple, emphasizing the need to respect the contributions of foreign workers in Singapore.

Others, however, questioned Rijvee’s decision to leave his bag unattended, suggesting that it might have been avoidable.

A Desperate Plea for Help

In his plea, Rijvee expressed the deep impact of the theft, saying, ‘The money is my hardworking money, around 11 days of my salary.’ His words resonated with many, as losing such a significant amount of money and important documents would be a tough blow for anyone, especially for a foreign worker trying to make a living far from home.

Watch the video here: