The Tragic Reality of Legal Migration Turned Into Forced Recruitment
A recent report titled “Promises Written in Blood: How Legal Migration Turned into Forced Recruitment in the Russia-Ukraine War” has shed light on a disturbing trend where Bangladeshi men, lured by the promise of secure jobs and decent pay, found themselves in the middle of a war zone. According to the findings, at least 10 Bangladeshi men have been affected, with some feared dead.
The report, which is based on survivor accounts and family testimonies, reveals that these men traveled to Russia with valid work visas, believing they had secured well-paying jobs in sectors such as oil, construction, or logistics. However, upon arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were coerced into auxiliary combat units, sent to military camps near the front lines.
The Journey from Hope to Despair
BRAC, an organization involved in the research, found that the victims followed proper migration procedures—obtaining authentic work visas, departing from recognized airports, and carrying legitimate contracts. Despite this, once in Russia, their passports and phones were seized under the pretense of processing, and they were forced to sign “voluntary service agreements” before being transported to undisclosed military sites.
Illegal trafficking also plays a significant role in this crisis. Recruiting agents, under the guise of offering high-paying jobs, send people to Russia, where they are handed over to intermediaries who then give them to the military as forced laborers or combatants.
The Human Cost of False Promises
Among those deceived was Afzal Hossain Meraj, who went to Russia in August 2023 to work as a welder with a salary of Tk 70,000. He paid Tk 6.5 lakh to a recruiting agency in Uttara, including training fees. After four months, a broker in Russia offered him a “better opportunity”—enlistment with a Tk 26 lakh signing bonus and Tk 3.3 lakh monthly pay. Other perks included Tk 15 lakh injury compensation and possible citizenship if Russia won the war.
Tempted by these offers, Meraj agreed, only to have his passport seized and be sent to the front lines. His father, Ali Hossain, shared the emotional toll of the situation, describing how his son called him secretly from the war zone, expressing fear of being killed at any time.
Meraj witnessed two other Bangladeshis get killed in combat and was shot in the thigh in June. He fled a hospital and reached the Bangladesh embassy in Moscow, which arranged his return in September. Despite receiving some money, Ali expressed deep concern, stating, “Life is more important than money.”
A Growing Crisis
According to a source, recruiters lure Bangladeshis by promising they will continue doing the same jobs they were doing, just near the front line. However, after signing the contract, they are forced to take part in the war. Not everyone was as fortunate as Meraj.
Ayan Mondol from Bagerhat last contacted his family months ago, saying he was being moved toward the Ukrainian border; he is believed to have been killed in a drone strike. Amit Barua from Cumilla was photographed wearing a Russian military uniform and remains missing. Mohsin Ahmed from Gafargaon, Mymensingh, also went to Russia for a welding job but was forced into the army.
Ongoing Efforts and Calls for Action
The Daily Star contacted Mohsin’s brother, Mahfuz Ahmed, who said Mohsin was injured in a drone attack and treated for three days before being sent back to the battlefield. On April 21, the family submitted an appeal to the foreign ministry, seeking assistance. Mahfuz mentioned that many other Bangladeshis are still on the front lines, and it is uncertain whether his brother will be able to return.
Russian authorities have tightened surveillance after some Bangladeshi workers managed to return with travel passes. BRAC has submitted rescue applications for victims to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and handed case files to the CID for investigation. They are also providing legal and psychosocial support to families.
Government Response and Concerns
The report warned that this exposes “major weaknesses in Bangladesh’s migration management system.” Without stronger oversight, legal migration routes could be exploited for trafficking and coercion, threatening the country’s international reputation and future labor agreements.
Mostafizur Rahman, additional superintendent (Trafficking in Human Being) of CID, said six cases have been filed over trafficking to Russia. “Alongside legal migration, people have also been sent illegally and ended up in war zones,” he said. He noted that no bodies have yet been repatriated but added that forced recruitment “almost stopped after June this year.”
Shariful Hasan, associate director of BRAC Migration Programme, expressed concern about a Bangladeshi youth using a verified Facebook account under the name Md Sohel, encouraging others to join the Russian war effort. “Despite this, no visible action has been taken by authorities to raise awareness,” he said.
Shariful urged the government to conduct a nationwide survey to identify the missing and launch a strong awareness campaign. “If we don’t act now, the cost will be more human lives.”