Former Rajbari Army Soldier Nazrul Islam Dies Fighting in Russia

Staff Reporter | PNN:
Nazrul Islam (47), a retired army personnel from Rajbari, lost his life while participating in the war in Ukraine after going to Russia. After being missing for seven months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his death to the family on the afternoon of October 8. Since receiving the news, Nazrul’s home has been engulfed in grief.

Nazrul Islam was the son of the late Hatem Ali Fakir of Charpara, Ramkantapur, Sadar Upazila, Rajbari. He was the father of four daughters. His eldest daughter appeared for the HSC exam this year, the middle daughter is in fifth grade, and the youngest two daughters are only six and five years old.

According to family sources, Nazrul served in the Bangladesh Army as a Lance Corporal. Before retiring in 2020, he also served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo. After retirement, he opened a grocery store in the local Shripur market, but due to significant business losses, he fell into financial difficulties.

During this time, a local broker named Farid Hossain lured him with the promise of a security job at a shopping mall in Russia. Despite objections from his wife, Irin Akter, Nazrul agreed in the hope of improving his family’s livelihood. On February 28 of this year, he left the country for Russia.

Upon arrival, he underwent military training and was later sent to the battlefield in Ukraine. Although he kept regular contact with his family, April 30 was the last time they heard from him. On that day, he told his wife over the phone, “If my phone goes off, assume I am no more.” After that, he could not be reached.

Following a long search, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced on the afternoon of October 8 that Nazrul Islam had passed away.

His wife, Irin Akter, said in a tearful voice, “I warned him many times not to go. Now how will I raise four daughters alone? My only request to the government is to bring my husband’s body back.” Nazrul’s elder brother, retired Sergeant Rahim, said, “The broker Farid deceived my brother and sent him to Russia. The government should quickly arrange to bring the body back.”

Regarding the matter, Maria Haque, the Executive Officer (UNO) of Rajbari Sadar Upazila, said, “We have not received any official letter yet, but we are investigating the matter. Steps will be taken to repatriate the body while staying in contact with the family.”

Locals say that Nazrul Islam’s death is not just a tragedy for one family, but for the entire village. His story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those who take risks and travel abroad in search of a livelihood.