Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has contacted diplomatic missions in Russia and Poland alongside the Russian Embassy in Dhaka to secure details regarding three Bangladeshi nationals currently held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, according to an unnamed foreign ministry official. The diplomatic inquiry follows interviews conducted by The Daily Star with the detained men, whose families have appealed to the government for assistance after enduring months of uncertainty regarding their safety and whereabouts.
Diplomatic Channels Engaged in Moscow, Warsaw, and Dhaka
The foreign ministry instructed Bangladesh embassies in Moscow and Warsaw, as well as the Russian Embassy in Dhaka, to investigate the situation and determine appropriate next steps, according to the official. The Russian Embassy informed the foreign ministry that it had notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow about the case.
A Bangladesh embassy official in Russia explained that the diplomatic mission in Poland—which handles consular and diplomatic matters concerning Ukraine—will lead the pursuit of the case. However, the official noted that identifying the three men and acquiring official details may take considerable time.
Repatriation Hurdles and Inter-State Negotiations
Repatriating the three detainees involves complex diplomatic hurdles. According to the Bangladesh embassy official in Russia, prisoners of war are typically returned through direct negotiations or exchanges between the primary warring nations. Russia must formally request their return, and Ukraine must consent to the release. Repatriation is only possible if both sides reach a mutual understanding, meaning the outcome depends heavily on broader bilateral talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
The Russian Embassy in Dhaka did not respond to an email seeking comment on the detained men prior to publication.
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Background of the Detained Men
The three imprisoned men are Rimel Mia, 27, from Sundarganj in Gaibandha; Sarwar Sumon, 40, from Trishal in Mymensingh; and Kamrul Hasan, 38, from Nabinagar in Brahmanbaria. All three traveled to Russia seeking civilian employment before joining, or allegedly being drawn into, the Russian military.
In exclusive interviews with The Daily Star, Rimel and Sarwar stated they joined the military after losing stable employment and facing severe financial pressure. Meanwhile, Kamrul alleged that a broker promised to secure him passage to Italy but instead forced him to sign documents linked to the Russian armed forces. The recruitment contracts were written entirely in Russian, a language none of the men understood.
Capture and Frontline Deployments
Military timelines and capture details vary among the three individuals based on their statements to reporters:
- Rimel Mia: Captured by Ukrainian forces on December 8, 2025, after spending roughly one month stationed at a frontline position.
- Sarwar Sumon and Kamrul Hasan: Surrendered on May 13, 2026, following five days at a forested position where they had been deployed ahead of other foreign recruits.
None of the men reported firing their weapons during their deployment. Their families endured months of silence with little to no information regarding their survival.
Families Appeal for Government Intervention
Families discovered the status of the men through varied and emotional channels. Rimel’s parents learned he was alive after seeing The Daily Star’s interview shared on Facebook. Sarwar’s relatives feared he had been killed in combat, while Kamrul’s wife reported receiving no direct communication from him for over two months.
Relatives have urged the government to establish formal contact with Ukrainian authorities and orchestrate their safe return. “আমরা গরিব এবং অশিক্ষিত। আমরা জানি না কার কাছে যাব বা কী করব,” Rimel’s father, Md Syed Ali, told the newspaper, noting that the government possesses the capacity to act on their behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these Bangladeshi nationals held in Ukraine?
The three men traveled to Russia for civilian jobs and subsequently joined or were signed into the Russian military under financial pressure or deception by employment brokers before being captured or surrendering on the Ukrainian front lines.
How are prisoners of war typically repatriated?
According to embassy officials, POW repatriation depends on formal negotiations and exchanges between the involved conflict parties, requiring Russia to request the return and Ukraine to agree.
What is the Bangladesh government doing?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted diplomatic missions in Moscow, Warsaw, and Dhaka to investigate the situation and determine steps for potential repatriation.
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