Source Credit: Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: A Dubai-based Bangladeshi expatriate, who earns Dh3,000 a month as a technician, has won the Dh20 million Big Ticket jackpot after participating for nearly three years.
In raffle draw series 272, held in Abu Dhabi, Jahangir Alom, along with 13 friends, secured the life-changing prize during Ramadan. The 44-year-old expat, who has lived in the UAE for six years, started purchasing tickets in 2022 after being encouraged by his friends.
Alom’s 14-member syndicate includes 13 Bangladeshis and one Indian, all working in the shipbuilding industry in professions such as welding, painting, and cleaning. “Our annual salaries range from Dh35,000 to Dh40,000. We each contribute between Dh50 and Dh100 based on our earnings,” Alom explained.
Despite regularly buying tickets, this is the first time the group has won the Big Ticket draw.
Alom revealed that he was praying in the mosque during the draw and missed the call from show hosts Richard and Bouchra. “I had been praying for luck, especially in the last two months. When I returned from the mosque, my friends told me I had won. I never expected it. I had only read about others winning. Now, it’s my turn.”
Supporting his mother, four younger brothers, and two sisters, Alom hopes to invest in Dubai and continue purchasing tickets.“If I find a good investment opportunity, I’d like to stay in Dubai. My advice to others is to keep trying, even with a low salary. Pool your money with friends, it's worth it when you win.”
The next Big Ticket draw, scheduled for April 3, offers a Dh15 million grand prize. Tickets are available online and at counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
