13 Bangladeshis, one Indian expat from shipbuilding industry to share jackpot
By Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi: A Dubai-based Bangladeshi expat, who works as a technician and earns Dh3,000 a month, has won the Dh20 million Big Ticket jackpot after trying for about three years.
In raffle draw series 272 held in Abu Dhabi, Jahangir Alom and a group of 13 friends unexpectedly hit the windfall during Ramadan. The 44-year-old expat has been living in the UAE for the past six years and started trying his luck in 2022.
“I’ve been purchasing tickets for around three years. The habit started after my friends persuaded me, saying that lives are transformed if one wins the jackpot,” Alom told Gulf News.
Alom’s group of friends includes 13 Bangladeshis and one Indian, all working in various professions within the shipbuilding industry, such as welders, technicians, painters, cleaners, and others.
“There are professionals of varying levels in the group. Our annual salaries range from Dh35,000 to Dh40,000 and more. I earn about Dh3,000 a month. We each contribute between Dh50 and Dh100 depending on our salary grade,” Alom said, pointing out that this is the first time they’ve won the Big Ticket.
“I’ve been praying, especially for the past two months, hoping for some luck. During the draw, I was praying too, but I didn’t carry my phone inside the mosque,” he said, referring to why he missed the call when show hosts Richard and Bouchra called.
“Yes, I missed the Big Ticket call, but my friends broke the news to me after I returned from the mosque. I never expected that I would actually get lucky. I had only read about others winning. Finally, my time has come.”
Alom, supports his mother, four younger brothers and two sisters, and plans to continue purchasing tickets and hopes to invest the winnings in Dubai.
“My father passed away. I support my family. If I get a good opportunity to invest, I’d like to stay here in Dubai. But I’ll keep buying tickets. My advice to others is to keep trying, even if you have a low salary. Pool your money together and try – you won’t regret it when you finally win,” Alom added.
This month, Big Ticket is offering a Dh15 million grand prize in the April 3 draw. Tickets are available online through the official website or at counters located in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
