Bangladesh arrests two for trafficking locals for Russia war

Bangladeshi police said on Wednesday they have arrested two people suspected of trafficking Bangladeshis to Russia, where they were used as “bait” in Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

The suspects allegedly lured at least 30 people with promises of high-paying jobs. Twenty Bangladeshis are confirmed dead.

Who are the two people arrested for trafficking Bangladeshis to Russia?

Police identified the suspects as Mizanur Rahman and Abu Taher. Mohammad Asaduzzaman, commander of the elite police force Special Response Battalion, told reporters they “trafficked at least 30 individuals to Russia” by promising them high-paying jobs.

Asaduzzaman said the authorities were looking for another Bangladeshi citizen who was also part of the alleged trafficking network, as well as a Russian man and a woman from Kyrgyzstan.

What happened to the Bangladeshis sent to Russia?

Seventeen of the trafficking victims, who arrived in Russia in early May, were killed on the first day of deployment after being given minimal training, Asaduzzaman said. A total of 20 Bangladeshis have been confirmed dead.

“Bangladeshis were used as bait to locate enemy positions,” he said. “Russian forces determined their next course of action after the Bangladeshis fell victim to drone attacks.”

While most of the group sent to Russia have died, two managed to escape and were later sent back to Bangladesh. Two others are in a hospital in Moscow, while six remain on the battlefield. The Russian embassy in Dhaka could not be reached immediately for comment.

Are other foreigners being recruited to fight for Russia?

Citizens of some countries, particularly in Africa, have reported being forcibly conscripted into the Russian army to fight in Ukraine after being lured with promises of jobs in Russia since the war began in 2022. Recruits from South Asian nations, including India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, have also been reported to have fought for Russia, often lured by promises of work.

Last month, Amnesty International accused Russia of using “deceptive, coercive and exploitative practices” to recruit foreigners to fight on the Ukrainian front.