A Bangladeshi youth, Md. Jahangir Hossain (25), has been killed in a landmine explosion in the Russia–Ukraine war zone, according to family sources and a video message shared on social media.
Jahangir, a resident of Kandail Bagpara village under Joyka Union in Katiadi Upazila of Kishoreganj, was reportedly fighting for Russian forces at the time of the incident.
Death Confirmed Through Social Media
The news of his death was first shared on Facebook late Thursday night through a video message by his friend Mridul, who was also serving in the same Russian military camp. Mridul hails from Tangail.
Family members said the confirmation of his death reached the village on Friday (May 22), triggering mourning in the locality.
Jahangir was the eldest of three siblings and the father of a two-and-a-half-year-old child. His father, Habibur Rahman, is deceased.
Allegations of Recruitment Fraud
The family alleged that Jahangir was sent to Russia through deception under the promise of a job.
His cousin Md. Ramzan said Jahangir was initially sent to Russia about three and a half months ago with the promise of employment in a company. He was first given work at a pig farm and later transferred to restaurant work after falling ill. However, he was eventually handed over to the Russian military along with several other Bangladeshis.
Ramzan claimed that after around two months of training, Jahangir was sent to the battlefield.
A video statement from Mridul also alleged that an agency named “Arafa Al Monowar Agency” was responsible for sending them to the war zone through deception. However, the agency’s response could not be obtained.
Earlier Casualties Reported
According to reports, on May 18, a drone strike near the Russia-controlled Ukraine border reportedly killed several Bangladeshis, including Jahangir. Two others identified as Md. Suroj Kazi from Madaripur and Md. Yusuf Khan from Cumilla were also said to have died in the same incident.
Local officials confirmed receiving information about Jahangir’s death.
Joyka Union Parishad Chairman Humayun Kabir expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Katiadi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Emranul Kabir said the family had confirmed the death.
Authorities have not yet independently verified the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
