Bangladeshi Reported Killed in Ukraine War

A Bangladeshi man who travelled to Russia in search of better employment opportunities has reportedly lost his life amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, according to claims made by his family.

The deceased, Saeed Molla, 35, was a resident of Hasnabad village in Bandura Union of Nawabganj Upazila, Dhaka. He was the son of the late Anser Molla and was locally known as Haru Molla. Saeed was the youngest among three brothers and two sisters. Following his father’s death, he lived with and supported his mother. He is survived by his wife, Reshma Begum, and their seven-year-old son, Arian.

According to family members and local sources, Saeed travelled to Russia on 7 May this year after borrowing approximately Tk 1.6 million. His relatives allege that he was persuaded to go abroad through a broker named Julhas from the Ikrashi area of neighbouring Dohar Upazila. The family says Saeed had hoped to secure employment and improve his financial circumstances.

Relatives reported that after arriving in Russia, Saeed underwent a medical examination within four or five days. Communication with his family then ceased. Approximately five days later, the family received a telephone call from Russia claiming that around 30 Bangladeshi nationals had been detained in a military camp after being told they would be taken to work. According to information later received by the family, only four members of that group are believed to have returned alive.

The family alleges that Saeed and several other Bangladeshis were initially kept in a camp and subsequently placed under the control of the Russian military after being promised employment. They further claim that the Bangladeshis were later sent to areas affected by the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

According to relatives, information regarding Saeed’s fate came from other Bangladeshis who had reportedly been with him. They said the group had been sent to the war zone and that Saeed was subsequently killed. His wife, Reshma Begum, reportedly received news of his death by telephone at around 1:00 a.m. on the night of 13 June.

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Saeed’s mother, Mini Begum, said her livelihood depended largely on her son’s support. She appealed to the government to help bring his body back to Bangladesh so that the family could see him one final time and perform the necessary funeral rites.

Family members have called for confirmation of the circumstances surrounding Saeed’s death, the repatriation of his remains, and an investigation into those allegedly involved in arranging his travel. They say he left Bangladesh seeking legitimate employment opportunities abroad but instead became linked to events connected with the Russia–Ukraine war.

The family continues to seek answers regarding how a Bangladeshi citizen who travelled overseas for work allegedly ended up in a conflict zone. They are urging the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and establish the full facts surrounding the incident.