UN Report: Bangladeshis Deceived into Fighting Russia’s War in Ukraine
A new United Nations report states that Russia has tricked people from 29 countries into fighting its war in Ukraine. Citizens from Bangladesh are among those victims. The report details how these men were lured with false job offers and then forced into military service. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine published this draft report on October 26.
The report says Russian authorities worked with recruiters in many countries. These recruiters promised high salaries and Russian citizenship. They offered jobs like security guards, drivers, or construction workers. Many victims were poor men aged 18 to 60 with little education. They believed these promises were real.
Recruitment agents helped with visas and travel plans. For example, some Bangladeshis received business visas. But upon arriving in Russia, their freedom was taken away. They were held in temporary places. Soon, they were pressured to sign military contracts. These contracts were in Russian, a language most recruits did not understand.
The report found that men who refused to sign faced threats. Some were even tortured. One man saw four people shot dead and was then forced to sign. After signing, they received little training. They were quickly sent to the front lines in Ukraine. Many of these recruits have been killed, injured, or are missing.
An example in the report describes a group of 30 men. Seventeen of them died on the battlefield. Five are now missing, and one was injured. These men were told they would not fight. Many recruits also complained that they did not receive their promised salaries. Money was often withheld or taken from their accounts.
Russia has denied these findings. The Russian mission to the UN said the report uses “fabricated information.” They also said they do not accept the commission’s authority.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government is taking action. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said they are now checking job letters for Russia more carefully. The government is also acting against recruitment agencies involved in these issues.
The UN commission wants Russia to stop recruiting foreign nationals through deception. It recommends Russia release the tricked individuals. The commission also asked Russia to investigate and punish those responsible for this recruitment. Selim Reza, an expert, said Bangladesh needs to talk with Russia. He wants to ensure no Bangladeshi worker is forced into this war. He also called for compensation for victims.
