War is one of the harsh realities of the world. As far back as human history goes, much of it is filled with the tales of wars. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have progressed significantly in terms of their standard of living.
However, as a byproduct, war has become even more destructive and brutal. Yet, one thing remains unchanged—the underlying moral interests of humans.
Just as in the past, even now, when a war breaks out anywhere in the world, there is often a third party beyond the warring sides. Some exploit the situation for personal gain, putting others' lives at risk without hesitation, while others risk their own lives for the sake of humanity. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is no different.
On one side, various international organizations are working to help war victims, while on the other, unethical groups are engaging in heinous activities such as human trafficking.
Shockingly, this is happening even in a country like Bangladesh, which has no direct interest or stake in the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to media reports, 10 young Bangladeshi men were trafficked to Russia via Saudi Arabia. They were lured with false promises of high-paying jobs in “chocolate factories,” “flower gardens,” or other “safe professions.”
Once in Russia, they were given only 15 days of basic training before being sent to fight on the battlefield against Ukraine. These men, who have no knowledge of combat and face severe language and cultural barriers, find themselves forced to go to the war zone with no other option.
They are being used as mere tools to inflate the casualty numbers in the war, not only endangering their lives but also tarnishing the reputation of our nation on the global stage.
In this war, while European countries provide military support to Ukraine, North Korea backs Russia with troops. Behind these decisions lie vested interests.
However, even though Bangladesh has no direct stake in this war, unscrupulous groups are pushing our innocent citizens into the battlefield under the guise of job opportunities.
During World War II, when Hitler was committing genocide against the Jews, a German businessman named Oskar Schindler used his own money to buy Jews and set them free.
He even opened a factory to provide them with jobs, ensuring their safety from death. History tells us that whenever a crisis arises during wars, there are always honest and compassionate people who stand up against the greed of unethical groups.
Their stories remind us that human generosity can become a powerful protest in times of crisis.
The humanitarian crisis during wars is a global issue, as conflicts can create crises beyond the battlefield, even in distant regions. Bangladesh is currently facing such a crisis.
The government must take strict action against these unscrupulous groups involved in human trafficking while raising public awareness. This is not just the government's responsibility—people at every level of society must remain vigilant and work together to prevent such activities.
