Nazrul Islam, 47, from Char Ramkantpur village in Rajbari, once served proudly as a Lance Corporal in the Bangladesh Army. After retiring, he started a small business selling rakhi goods, but financial struggles soon surrounded his family. Hoping for a better future, he trusted a local broker, Farid Hossain, who promised him a security guard job in Russia.
On February 28 this year, Nazrul left Bangladesh full of hope. But after reaching Russia, his fate took a dark turn. Instead of the promised job, he was given military training and forced to fight in the war in Ukraine.
His last phone call to his wife, Airin Akhter, was on April 30. With a heavy voice, he said, “The money hasn’t been sent yet. I have to go quickly. If you can’t reach me again, know that I’m no longer alive.” That was the last time his family heard from him.
For seven long months, his family searched desperately, contacting different offices and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, on October 8, they received the devastating news — Nazrul had died in the war.
“My husband wanted a better life for us,” said his grieving wife. “I begged him not to go, but he said it was a good job. Now he’s gone, and I have to raise four daughters alone.”
Nazrul’s brother blamed broker Farid for deceiving him, while Farid denied responsibility, claiming that Nazrul went through a travel agency named Beacon Tours and Travels.
Rajbari Sadar UNO Maria Haque said she was not yet aware of the matter but assured that action would be taken after investigation.
Nazrul leaves behind his wife and four daughters — the eldest just completed her HSC exams, the second is in class five, and the two youngest are only six and five years old.
A brave soldier who once served his country now lies in a distant battlefield — a victim of false promises and a cruel twist of fate.
