World · Bangladesh Bureau
Twenty Bangladeshi workers killed in Russia's war, rights group alleges
A Bangladeshi human rights organisation has alleged that at least 20 citizens recruited for employment in Russia have been killed while fighting in the ongoing conflict. The Bangladeshi diaspora rights group claims the workers were deployed as combatants despite being hired for civilian jobs.
LSN Bangladesh ·
The human rights group Shushasthir Jonno Biplobi (SRB) stated that Bangladeshi nationals were sent to Russia under the guise of employment opportunities but were subsequently forced into combat roles. According to the organisation, the recruitment process misrepresented the nature of work available, with labourers expecting civilian positions instead being deployed as frontline fighters in Russia's military operations.
The allegations raise serious concerns about labour trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable Bangladeshi workers seeking employment abroad. SRB claims the affected individuals were isolated from support networks and had limited means to refuse military deployment once they arrived in Russia.
The incident highlights the risks faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers, who often rely on overseas employment to support their families. Labour recruitment agents and employers in destination countries have previously faced accusations of misrepresenting job conditions and compensation packages to prospective workers from Bangladesh.
Authorities in Bangladesh have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations. The government's Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment typically investigates claims of worker exploitation and coordinates with foreign governments on labour-related matters affecting Bangladeshi citizens abroad.