A growing number of Bangladeshi citizens have been drawn into Russia’s war in Ukraine, often through deception and coercion. According to testimonies collected by BBC Bangla, young men were lured with promises of high-paying jobs or permanent residency, only to find themselves forced into combat after arriving in Russia. Some, like Mohon Miaji from Munshiganj, joined the Russian army believing they would work in non-combat roles but were sent to the front lines instead. Many have been killed, injured, or gone missing, leaving families in Bangladesh without information or support.

Investigations revealed that trafficking networks, including Bangladeshi and Indian intermediaries, transported recruits via Middle Eastern countries before taking them to Russia. Victims reported being forced to sign Russian-language contracts they could not read, effectively binding them to military service. The networks allegedly confiscated passports, withheld salaries, and extorted additional payments by promising to move soldiers to safer zones. Families of victims described severe emotional and financial distress, with some losing their only breadwinners.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry confirmed that several nationals remain active in the conflict, with many unaccounted for or permanently disabled.