Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Bangladeshi Workers Deceived into Russian Military
Some men from Bangladesh were tricked by recruiters.
They were promised good jobs in Russia, like cleaning or cooking.
But when they got there, they were forced to join the Russian army and fight in the war in Ukraine.
They had to do dangerous things like carry supplies, help injured soldiers, and even fight.
Some were hurt or went missing.
Their families are very worried and want them to come home.
The men who escaped said they were threatened and beaten if they didn't do what the Russian soldiers told them.
The families are asking the government to help bring their loved ones back.
Bangladeshi workers were promised civilian jobs in Russia but were instead forced into military service in Ukraine.
Workers were threatened with violence, imprisonment, or death if they refused to fight.
At least 10 Bangladeshi men are missing, and possibly 40 have died in the war.
Families of the missing workers have filed complaints with police and the government but have received no response.
A network of intermediaries, including a company called SP Global, was involved in recruiting the workers.
- Who
- Bangladeshi workers, Russian military, labor recruiters
- What
- Bangladeshi workers were deceived into joining the Russian military to fight in Ukraine
- When
- December 2024 to February 2025
- Where
- Bangladesh, Russia, Ukraine
- Why
- Workers were promised high-paying civilian jobs in Russia but were instead forced into military service
Russian Government
Foreign Workers and Their Families
Recruitment Practices
Russian Government
The Russian government claims to rely on voluntary enlistment and offers high pay and benefits to attract recruits, including foreigners.
Foreign Workers and Their Families
Foreign workers and their families allege that they were deceived by recruiters promising civilian jobs but were instead forced into military service.
Treatment of Foreign Recruits
Russian Government
The Russian military views foreign recruits as necessary to replenish troops and offers accelerated citizenship as an incentive.
Foreign Workers and Their Families
Foreign recruits report being threatened, beaten, and forced into dangerous combat roles without proper training or support.
- Number of Bangladeshi Workers Deceived
- At least 10 missing, possibly 40 dead
- Promised Jobs
- Cleaners, electricians, chefs, laundry attendants
- Actual Work
- Front-line combat, supply transport, medical evacuation, recovering dead
- Recruitment Fee
- 1.2 million Bangladeshi taka (about $9,800)
- Promised Salary
- $1,000 to $1,500 per month
- Training Duration
- 3 days of basic combat training
- Key Recruitment Company
- SP Global (ceased operations in 2025)
- Russian Military Contract Signatory
- Maj. Vladimir Yaltsev
