“Sabuj Mia Among Six Killed in Sudan Drone Strike”

A sombre cloud has descended over Polashbari, Gaibandha, following the tragic death of Sabuj Mia, one of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone strike at a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping base in Sudan. His passing has left family, friends, and the wider community in deep mourning.

Sabuj Mia, a native of Chhoto Bhagabanpur village in Mahdipur Union, Polashbari Upazila, was the son of the late Habibur Rahman and Shakina Begum. Orphaned of his father at the tender age of two, Sabuj grew up facing economic hardship, yet he persevered with determination and resilience to support his family.

On 7 November, just over a month ago, Sabuj was deployed to Sudan as part of the UN peacekeeping mission, serving as a civilian laundry staff member for the Bangladesh Army. He had joined the army nearly eleven years ago through a neighbour and relative, gradually rising to his current position. Three months prior to his deployment, he had returned home on leave before resuming duties abroad.

The news of his death has left his mother, Shakina Begum, and his wife, Nupur Akter, inconsolable. Nupur, speaking through tears, said, “We spoke briefly on the phone last Saturday afternoon. By midnight, I received the shocking news—he was gone.” Shakina Begum, repeatedly fainting from grief, lamented, “He was my only treasure. He had just gone to Sudan last month. Who will now care for us? I want his body brought home. Only then will his soul find peace.”

Sabuj, described by neighbours as polite and hardworking, lived with his mother and wife, supporting them as the sole breadwinner. His death has left the family destitute. He was the youngest of two siblings and married Nupur Akter from Natore District on 7 March 2023. The couple had no children.

Polashbari Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Zaber Ahmed confirmed that authorities are actively following up on the incident and all necessary government assistance will be provided to the bereaved family.

The fatal incident occurred at the Kadugli Logistic Base in Sudan’s Abyei region on 13 December, between 3:40 and 3:50 p.m. local time, when armed separatist groups launched a drone attack. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including Sabuj, were killed, and eight others were injured.

This tragic loss highlights the courage and sacrifice of Bangladeshi personnel serving in UN peacekeeping missions, often in the most perilous environments.