Three men left Bangladesh for civilian jobs. They ended up on Ukraine’s frontline.

Three Bangladeshi men captured while serving with Russian forces in Ukraine said their families do not know whether they are alive, according to interviews arranged by Ukrainian authorities.

Rimel Mia, Sarwar Sumon and Kamrul Hasan said they initially traveled to Russia for civilian work after taking on heavy debts. Rimel and Sarwar said they later joined the Russian military voluntarily, while Kamrul alleged a broker deceived him with a promise of passage to Italy.

All three said they signed Russian-language contracts they could not understand before receiving limited training and being sent to frontline positions. They said they surrendered without firing at Ukrainian soldiers.

“My family does not know where I am, whether I am alive or dead,” Rimel said to the Daily Star.

The men said they had been treated well in Ukrainian detention but had not been contacted directly by Bangladesh authorities. Rights advocates urged Bangladesh to seek access and explore repatriation.