বিশেষ প্রতিক্রিয়া বাহিনী (এসআরবি) Bangladeshis who were sent to Russia under the pretext of work‑permit visas have reportedly suffered heavy casualties, according to information released at a press conference held on 14 October in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. The briefing was conducted by Additional Deputy Inspector General Mohammad Asaduzzaman of SRB‑10 Battalion.
As per the initial findings shared by the battalion, 30 Bangladeshi nationals were dispatched to Russia in May this year through three private organisations – Jabal Noor International, RS International and TS Group. The battalion said that after arriving in Russia, the individuals were allegedly kept in a local hotel where their passports, mobile phones and other documents were confiscated. Subsequently, they claim, the workers were handed over to the Russian military without being offered the promised jobs, subjected to a 21‑day training camp and then deployed to the front lines.
According to SRB’s account, on the first day of deployment, 17 out of the 20 Bangladeshis who were reportedly killed died in a drone strike. The battalion said that the front‑line group consisted of 16 persons, of whom 12 were killed by the drone; the middle and rear groups each lost four members. Later, the battalion updated the toll to a total of 20 deaths among the 30 individuals, based on contact with the victims, statements from their families and collected evidence.
Two survivors, identified as Rajan and Adnan, reportedly returned to Bangladesh with serious injuries. Rajan described being struck by a drone on his back, which fractured his spine and caused progressive loss of sensation in his lower limbs. He said he attempted to call for help via a walkie‑talkie with the assistance of an Egyptian translator, but no rescue was arranged. After dragging himself several kilometres to a camp, he was reportedly asked about his weapon before receiving medical attention. Both injured workers were repatriated through the Bangladeshi embassy.
The battalion also raised concerns about the possible purpose of sending the workers to the front line, suggesting that they might have been used to detect enemy positions—a claim it labelled as a preliminary hypothesis requiring further investigation. Asaduzzaman noted that the recruits lacked adequate military training, physical fitness and mental preparation for combat.
Regarding the alleged trafficking network, SRB said it has arrested two individuals linked to the case: Mizanur Rahman, founder and managing director of Jabal Noor International, and Abu Taher, also known as Lentuk. The authorities state that further legal proceedings are being prepared against them, and that evidence is being gathered to ensure accountability.
Many of the workers reportedly came from impoverished families and had taken loans from NGOs or acquaintances to finance their overseas employment. Their families are still awaiting news of their return, with some households facing uncertain livelihoods due to the loss of earners. Relatives of the deceased have demanded the maximum possible punishment for those involved.
The battalion emphasized that it is continuing its investigation, collecting testimonies and documentary proof, and will work to ensure justice in the matter. The information presented remains based on the battalion’s preliminary enquiries; definitive conclusions await further verification.
