Bangladeshi Reported Killed in Russia–Ukraine Conflict

A Bangladeshi man who travelled to Russia in search of better employment opportunities has reportedly been killed in the 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 in Dhaka district.

Family members say Saeed borrowed approximately Tk 1.6 million before leaving for Russia on 7 May this year, hoping to secure a well-paid job abroad. However, what began as a pursuit of economic opportunity has ended in tragedy, with relatives alleging that he lost his life after being sent to the battlefield in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Saeed Molla, locally known as Haru Molla, was the son of the late Anser Molla and 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 local residents and family sources, Saeed travelled to Russia after being recruited through an intermediary identified as Julhas from the Ikrashi area of neighbouring Dohar Upazila. Relatives claim that Saeed took out loans amounting to Tk 1.6 million to finance the move.

The family states that shortly after arriving in Russia, Saeed underwent a medical examination. Communication with his relatives then ceased. Several days later, the family reportedly received information from Russia indicating that around 30 Bangladeshi nationals had been detained in a military camp after being told they would be taken to work. According to accounts relayed to the family, only four members of that group later returned alive.

Relatives further allege that Saeed and several other Bangladeshis were initially kept in a camp for a number of days before being taken under the control of the Russian military on the promise of employment. Family members say they subsequently learned from individuals who had been with Saeed that the Bangladeshis were sent to the front lines of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

According to the family, Saeed’s wife received a telephone call at approximately 1:00 a.m. on 13 June informing her of his death.

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Speaking through tears, Saeed’s mother, Mini Begum, said that she depended on her son for support and that the family had been devastated by the reported loss. She appealed to the government for assistance in bringing her son’s body back to Bangladesh so that relatives could see him one final time.

The family has called for official verification of the circumstances surrounding Saeed’s death, the repatriation of his remains, and an investigation into those allegedly involved in arranging his travel. Relatives say they are seeking answers to how a Bangladeshi citizen who travelled abroad for work allegedly ended up on a battlefield.

At present, the family’s account forms the basis of the claims regarding Saeed Molla’s death, and relatives continue to seek confirmation and further information from the relevant authorities.