Evacuate trapped Bangladeshis from Ukraine

It is disturbing to learn that a Bangladeshi sailor was killed after a vessel owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), which remains stranded at a port in Ukraine, came under a missile attack on March 2, 2022. The deceased, identified as Hadisur Rahman, 32, was the third engineer of the ship carrying 29 sailors. This is perhaps the first-known Bangladeshi casualty in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine over fears of an expansion drive by the anti-Russian North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) in the eastern European country. BSC officials have already confirmed the attack, saying efforts are underway to bring the trapped sailors back home safely.

In the eight days since the war broke out, it has been increasingly clear that its fallout will not be limited to Ukraine, or even Russia, which faces widespread condemnation and biting economic sanctions. The human cost—with over 2,000 civilians killed by now—is but a part of its already far-reaching consequences involving global trade, security, geostrategic relations, etc. Many are fearing a reversion to the frigid Cold War era, which will not be good for anyone.

Bangladesh—which on March 2 abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, perhaps to protect its own interests by keeping the diplomatic channels open—will not be spared either. We're already facing the brunt of rising international prices and trade uncertainties. With an estimated 2,500 Bangladeshis—mostly students—stuck in Ukraine, the danger may grow further if they are not urgently evacuated. We have heard harrowing tales of how they are passing their days in danger, without help, trying to escape through the heavily hit regions. This has rightly prompted calls for a clearer stance from Bangladesh and further diplomatic and humanitarian measures to ensure the safety of our citizens. 

We're told that hundreds of Bangladeshis have already crossed the Ukrainian border. Bangladeshi missions in Poland and Romania are said to be receiving expatriates leaving Ukraine through their borders. But clear safety assurances are needed from all parties, especially the Ukrainian and Russian authorities, and Bangladesh should continue to coordinate with them to ensure their cooperation. We urge the government to expedite its efforts in this regard, and post regular updates about what it is doing. Most importantly, Russia must stop the war now and all involved parties must pursue peaceful means to resolve their disputes.