Three young men from Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, who were promised employment in the construction sector in Russia, have allegedly been sent to the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine.
The victims are Palash Sheikh of Ghosherchar Uttarpara village, Roni of Sitarkul village, and Sourav Mollah of Balakoir village. Their families claim that a Dhaka-based recruiting agency, Jabale Nur International Limited, sent them to Russia with the assurance of a monthly salary of Tk120,000 for construction work.
According to the families, the three men were part of a group of 30 Bangladeshis who flew to Russia on 7 May. Upon arrival, they were reportedly shorn of their hair, forced to wear military uniforms, and transported to camps near the Ukrainian border.
Roni’s wife, Tisha, stated that her husband had contacted the Nikunja-based agency in hopes of eventually reaching Europe. She reported that their mobile phones were confiscated upon arrival in Russia, but Roni later managed to send audio and text messages.
In these messages, he revealed they were forced to sign contracts and moved to border camps. His last communication on 18 May indicated he was at a camp where the constant sound of gunfire could be heard.
Similarly, Lima Akter Sukhi, the aunt of Sourav Mollah, said she last spoke to him via video call on 17 May, where he appeared in a military environment and did not seem in a normal state of mind.
Abu Saleh, a cousin of Palash Sheikh, claimed they discovered Palash had been sent to a Russian army camp under a one-year contract with a company called ‘Pro Technology’. He alleged that Jabale Nur International Limited was aware of this arrangement.
What’s the official response?
Mohammad Sohrab Al Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Khilkhet Police Station, confirmed they received a complaint alleging that the youths had been “sold” to the Russian army.
He stated that since the men migrated through a formal government process, the families have been advised to file a complaint with the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET).
“Once a complaint is filed with the BMET and a copy is provided to us, we will initiate a formal case. Currently, the matter has been recorded as a General Diary (GD),” the OC added, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ assistance would be required for their rescue.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Gopalganj Sadar, Koushik Ahmed, said he is aware of the situation and that efforts will be made to repatriate the men.
However, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Gopalganj, Md Habibullah, stated that no formal complaint has been lodged with the local police yet, though legal action would be swift once a report is made.
Md Mizanur Rahman, chairman of Jabale Nur International Limited, admitted that the recruits were victims of deception. “Initially, everything seemed in order. Later, we learned they were cheated; they were taken for one job but assigned another,” he said.
He claimed the agency is taking the matter seriously and has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are trying to bring back at least eight Bangladeshis within two days,” Rahman added.
