Bangladeshi immigrant worked 27 years without a day off to support his kids — judge, doctor, engineer

'Each day, I wake up, shower, have breakfast, go to work, return home, call my family in the village, and then rest,' Abu Bakar said. (Representational image: Unsplash)

A 70-year-old, who originally hails from Bangladesh, has been working as a cleaner in Malaysia for 27 years without taking a day off to support his family and raise his kids who have become a judge, a doctor, and an engineer.

Abu Bakar had left his hometown 31 years ago in search of work in Malaysia, he told Humans of Kuala Lumpur. Bakar said that he heard of ample job opportunities in Malaysia and decided to try his luck in the country, willing to take on work that others would hesitate to do. And worked he did — seven days a week without taking a single day off.

"Even if it meant doing jobs that others didn't want to do, I would do them. And I have been doing so seven days a week, 365 days a year, for the past 27 years," The Star reported him as saying. "I have never taken sick leave or a day off. And I am still strong, God willing."

He sent most of his earnings back to Bangladesh to support his children’s education and family's living expenses. Although he did not reveal his salary, according to employment website Indeed, the average monthly salary for a cleaner in Malaysia is about 1,640 ringgit (or Rs 33,400).

“I haven’t returned to Bangladesh since I came here," South China Morning Post (SCMP) quoted Bakar as saying. "I miss my family, and they miss me too, but everything I’ve done has been for my children’s better future.”

His daily routine can be described as simple and repetitive. “Each day, I wake up, shower, have breakfast, go to work, return home, call my family in the village, and then rest,” Bakar said.

His hard work, however, has not been in vain as his children have grown up to be successful in their respective fields. His daughter has become a respected judge, and his two sons are now a doctor and an engineer.

“I’m truly grateful for what my children have achieved,” Bakar said.

In December, he is planning to move back to his village in Bangladesh for good and finally reunite with his family. "It will also be the first time I meet my two grandchildren. I can hardly wait," he said.