Three-time sub-junior chess champion Ikramul Haq Siam has appealed to the financially fortunate to come forward to save his life as the 20-year-old is suffering from a degenerative disc disease that has all but paralysed his right leg.

The promising player caught the eyes of all after winning the gold medal in the First KOP Youth Chess Festival in Turkey in 2015 but the former national junior champion is now unable to sit in front of the board of black and whites and is confined to a wheelchair and undergoing regular therapy to curb the acute pain.

The BBA student needs at least Tk 6 lakh to undergo a surgery as per the doctor's advice but Siam, who lives with his maternal uncle following the death of his mother and re-marriage of his father, is unable to manage the money he needs for the surgery.

"I have been suffering from degenerative disease for the last two months. The bone in the spinal cord is bent and that puts pressure on the nerves, causing pain in my right leg. For this problem, I have also lost control of my rectum.

"I went to different government and private hospitals and the neurosurgeons and orthopedists advised me to have surgery as soon as possible, otherwise I will die. I want to live and play chess. I am requesting well-off people to help me financially for the surgery which will cost me Tk 6 lakh," urged a tearful Siam. 

Those wishing to offer him assistance can use the following information: BRAC Bank Jatrabari branch, Name: Ikramul Haq Siam, Account no: 1539103088878001. Besides, Siam has also got  a Bkash account: 01757290478 (personal) where one can donate.