A young man from Madarganj in Jamalpur, Bangladesh, has been missing in Russia for 17 days after reportedly being deceived into joining a war zone instead of receiving promised construction work. Family members said they learned through an audio message circulating on social media that he may have been killed in a drone attack, though no official confirmation has been received. The missing man, Maful alias Mofiz, 23, went to Russia on May 7 through a broker from Chandpur.

According to relatives, Maful had complained that he was handed over to the Russian military instead of being given masonry work. His last contact with family was on May 29, after which his phone was switched off. His mother, sister, and other relatives have demanded the return of his body and punishment for those involved in sending him abroad under false pretenses. Local officials said the family has been advised to contact the embassy and that higher authorities will be informed.

No government or diplomatic source has yet confirmed Maful’s death, leaving his fate uncertain.