“Bangladeshi Peacekeeper Sabuj Mia Killed in Sudan Drone Attack”

A sombre shadow has fallen over the village of Polashbari in Gaibandha, Bangladesh, following the tragic death of Sabuj Mia, one of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone strike at a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping base in Sudan. Sabuj’s untimely passing has plunged his family, friends, and the wider community into mourning.

Sabuj Mia was the son of the late Habibur Rahman and Shakina Begum, hailing from Chhoto Bhagabanpur village in the Mahdipur Union of Polashbari Upazila. Orphaned of his father at the tender age of two, Sabuj grew up amidst economic hardship, facing adversity with resilience and determination.

Reports indicate that Sabuj departed for Sudan on 7 November, just over a month ago, to serve under the United Nations peacekeeping mission. He was employed as a civilian laundry staff member for the Bangladesh Army, a position he had held for approximately eleven years, having initially joined through a neighbour of a relative. Three months prior, he returned home briefly on leave before resuming his duties in Sudan.

In a heart-wrenching revelation, Sabuj’s wife, Nupur Akter, shared that they had spoken for a few minutes on the telephone last Saturday afternoon. She added, in a voice trembling with grief, that by midnight she received the devastating news of his death. His mother, Shakina Begum, has repeatedly fainted since hearing the news. Through tears, she said, “He was my only treasure. He had gone to Sudan just last month. Who will now care for us? I want his body brought home—only then will his soul find peace.”

The village is united in grief. Neighbours recall Sabuj as an exceptionally polite and hardworking young man, devoted to his small household comprising his mother and wife. As the sole breadwinner, his death has left the family destitute. Sabuj was married to Nupur Akter from Natore District on 7 March 2023, and the couple had no children.

Polashbari Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Zaber Ahmed confirmed that authorities are actively following up on the matter and that all necessary government assistance will be provided to the bereaved family.

The tragic incident occurred at the Kadugli Logistic Base in Sudan’s Abyei region on 13 December at approximately 3:40–3:50 p.m. local time, when armed separatist groups launched a drone attack. Alongside Sabuj, five other Bangladeshi peacekeepers lost their lives, and eight others sustained injuries.

This tragic loss has underscored the risks faced by Bangladeshi personnel serving in UN peacekeeping missions, highlighting their bravery and sacrifice in regions of conflict.