Bangladeshis used as ‘human bait’ in Ukraine war

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

At least 20 Bangladeshi nationals were reportedly sent to Russia under false pretenses and used as "human bait" by Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Authorities have arrested two suspects involved in the scheme, while investigations continue into the trafficking and exploitation of these workers.

Bangladeshi nationals have reportedly been used as “human bait” in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to preliminary findings released by the Special Response Battalion (SRB) during a press briefing in Dhaka on 14 October. The SRB disclosed that out of 30 Bangladeshis sent to Russia in May under the pretense of construction jobs, at least 20 have died in the war, two have returned to Bangladesh wounded, two are receiving medical care in Moscow, and six remain active in the conflict zones.

The group of 30 individuals was sent to Russia on 7 May through three companies—Jabale Nur, RS International, and TS Group. Each participant reportedly paid an average of 10 lakh Bangladeshi taka (approximately $12,000) with the promise of legitimate employment in construction. Upon arrival, their passports and mobile phones were confiscated, and they were transferred to the Russian military following 21 days of training. The SRB stated they were then deployed to various battlefronts in Ukraine.

According to Additional Deputy Inspector General Md Asaduzzaman, commander of the SRB-10 Battalion, investigators believe these Bangladeshis were used strategically by Russian forces as “bait” to reveal Ukrainian positions. Drone strikes on their locations allegedly assisted Russian troops in mapping enemy positions and distances. On their first day at the front, 17 of the Bangladeshis died in drone strikes, with three additional deaths confirmed later. The SRB has not specified the exact timing of these casualties or the circumstances surrounding the recovery and identification of all bodies.

Two alleged masterminds behind the arrangement, Mizanur Rahman, 55, founder of Jabale Nur International, and Abu Taher, 50, also known as Lentu, have been arrested. Authorities are actively pursuing other suspects, including individuals named Igor, a Russian; Julia, a Kyrgyz woman; and Mostafizur. The victims hail from multiple districts across Bangladesh, including Gopalganj, Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Jamalpur, Pabna, Chapainawabganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, and Gazipur.

Among the survivors is Rajon Hossain, 21, from Kaliganj in Jhenaidah district, who returned injured after suffering a fractured pelvis caused by a drone strike. He reportedly endured severe pain, crawling approximately four kilometers to reach a military camp, where he remained for four days before being evacuated for treatment. Rajon escaped and returned to Bangladesh on 23 August with assistance from the Bangladeshi embassy.

Rajon’s family has accused Mizanur Rahman of physical abuse, attempted sexual assault, and threats when seeking compensation. These allegations led to a complaint under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, filed at Kaliganj Police Station. Following the complaint, the SRB made the arrests of Mizanur in Nagarbari, Faridpur, and Abu Taher in Kaliganj on 13 October. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.