A Bangladeshi youth who was fighting on the Russian side against Ukraine was killed in a missile attack.
Deceased Mohammad Akram Hossain (25), a young man from Ashuganj upazila in Brahmanbaria, set out for Russia with dreams of a better future and hopes of lifting his family out of poverty.
However, those dreams were never realized. Instead, he lost his life while fighting in the Ukraine war on behalf of the Russian military.
On Friday afternoon (18 April), a fellow soldier from Russia informed Akram’s family of his death over the phone.
Akram was the son of Morshed Mia, a day laborer from Hosenpur village in Ashuganj.
According to family sources, about 11 months ago, Akram went to Russia by taking loans. Initially, he worked as a welder for a Chinese company, but due to the low salary, he eventually got lured by a broker and joined the Russian army as a contract fighter.
While fighting in the war for Russia, Akram had shared several photos on his Facebook page. Despite repeated pleas from his family to return, Akram had said there was no chance for him to come back.
Since 13 April, his family and acquaintances in Russia have lost all contact with him. Then, on April 18, one of his comrades called to inform them that Akram had been killed in a missile strike in Ukraine. Several members of his unit also died in the same attack.
Ashuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rafe Mohammad confirmed the incident, saying the authorities have contacted the relevant ministry after learning about it from the family. Once the body is identified, necessary documents will be collected, and arrangements will be made with the help of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
