Protect our migrants from forced participation in a foreign war
Bangladeshi migrants continue to be exploited in many ways. But the revelation that a number of aspiring migrants from Bangladesh have been trafficked to Russia and forced to fight in the war against Ukraine is quite shocking. According to media reports, some travel agencies are luring young men with the promise of high-paying jobs in Russian factories and restaurants. However, instead of the promised jobs, they are then forced to join the Russian military as "contract fighters" and sent to the frontlines with little or no training.
According to a report in this daily, the Human Trafficking Cell of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recently busted one such travel agency, which allegedly trafficked around 20 Bangladeshis to Russia over the past two years. Among them, at least three have been killed in the war and another has been critically injured. Some remain missing, with their families having lost all contact since they were sent to the battlefield.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. One key reason why traffickers have found a lucrative market in Bangladesh is the widespread poverty and unemployment among young men. One can only imagine the level of desperation it takes for someone to be enticed by offers of factory work in a country known for its brutal winters and volatile situation.
With the Russia-Ukraine war dragging into its fourth year, it is believed that Russia, despite being the world's second-largest military power, is struggling to recruit enough soldiers locally. As a result, it has increasingly turned to the Global South—including India, Nepal, Cuba, and Sri Lanka—for recruits. Central Asian migrants already in Russia have also reportedly faced coercion or intimidation into joining the war. Recent reports from the Bangladeshi media confirm that our citizens, too, are now falling victim to traffickers who are essentially selling foot soldiers to the Russian military.
One key reason why traffickers have found a lucrative market in Bangladesh is the widespread poverty and unemployment among young men. One can only imagine the level of desperation it takes for someone to be enticed by offers of factory work in a country known for its brutal winters and volatile situation. The aspiring migrants reportedly paid between Tk 9 to Tk 12 lakh each for the promised jobs. That they would take such risks reflects a lack of faith in the opportunities available at home, pushing them into the arms of human traffickers.
We urge the authorities to raise awareness—especially in rural areas—about the dangers of war trafficking, and also to create more viable economic opportunities for youth in the country. Law enforcement drives against trafficking networks must be strengthened. Furthermore, the government must use its diplomatic channels to obtain the list of Bangladeshi nationals recruited by the Russian military, and initiate efforts to bring them back safely.
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