Construction supervisor wins poetry contest for migrant workers

SINGAPORE — A poetry competition aimed at showcasing the literary talent of migrant workers came to a close yesterday night, with 36-year-old construction supervisor Zakir Hussain Khokhon taking home the first prize with his poem Pocket 2.

Mr Zakir’s piece — in which he reminisces about the days with his wife back home in Bangladesh — beat 10 other poems, which were shortlisted from more than 80 submissions from 28 Bangladeshis.

Longing for their homeland took centre stage in the submissions for the inaugural competition. Other common themes included religion, work stress and political issues in both Bangladesh and Singapore.

Competition organiser Shivaji Das said the submissions had come through informal means such as WhatsApp and scribblings on pieces of paper.

The 10 shortlisted poems were performed at a recital at the National Library last night, which attracted an audience of about 100. Students from United World College helped recite the English translations of the Bengali poems.

“The recital was very insightful and opened up a new world. It made me feel like the migrant workers are more similar to us than we thought. For example, they also get stressed from work,” said Ms Anna Soh, 26, who was in the audience .

Many of the poets are award-winning writers, while others developed a keen interest in writing to destress.

“Writing helps me relieve stress, makes me happy and (helps me) make conversation with other Bangladeshi workers,” said Mr Zakir who is also a freelance journalist for Banglar Kantha, the only Bengali newspaper in South-east Asia.

Mr AKM Moshin, editor-in-chief for the paper who also manages Dibashram, a drop-in centre for migrant workers, said about 40 workers gather at the centre every weekend for literary discussions “to double up their writing skills”. “Writing gives the migrant workers a sense of empowerment. It is also a healthy way for them to spend their weekends,” he added.

Mr Das, a volunteer with Transient Workers Count Too, said he intends to make the competition an annual affair and hopes to open it to migrant workers of more nationalities next year. KELLY NG