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The 44-year-old shipbuilding worker's life changed in an instant as he won 20 million dirhams in the Big Ticket lottery in Abu Dhabi
Published : 04 Mar 2025, 12:49 PM
A single phone call and one lucky number has turned the life of a Bangladeshi migrant worker upside down in the United Arab Emirates.
Jahangir Alam, a 44-year-old shipbuilding worker, has won 20 million dirhams (approximately Tk 670 million) in the Big Ticket lottery, organised by Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Life as a migrant had been tough -- long hours of hard work and constant worries about the future. But on Monday, everything changed in an instant. Fortune came calling at the most unexpected moment -- right in the middle of his prayers.
On Feb 11, Jahangir purchased Big Ticket coupon 134469, hoping for a win. For three years, he had been buying lottery tickets without success, yet he never lost hope.
Then, during Monday’s Big Ticket draw in Abu Dhabi, his number was announced as the grand prize winner. But at that moment, he was completely unaware as he was in the middle of his prayers. His phone rang again and again, but he didn’t hear it.
When he finally checked his phone after finishing his prayers, he was in for the shock of his life. An overjoyed friend told him, "You’ve won 20 million dirhams!"
At first, he thought it was a joke. But when he received an official call from Big Ticket, it sank in -- this wasn’t a dream, it was real!
Jahangir didn’t buy the ticket alone -- he shared the cost with 14 friends, pooling their money together.
“The good news came while I was praying. I truly believe this is not just my blessing, but a special fortune for all 14 of us,” he said.
With their newfound wealth, Jahangir and his friends dream of starting a business in Dubai. After years of struggle, they are setting their sights on entrepreneurship.
Back in Bangladesh, his family is still in disbelief. From years of hardship to a future full of possibilities, Jahangir and his friends are looking ahead to a brighter future.
