Ex-Jamaat leaders accused of trafficking youths to Russia

PATGRAM, JUNE 01: Two former leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami's youth wing have been accused by families of four youths in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat of trafficking them to Russia under the pretext of garment factory jobs and allegedly selling them to the Russian army as mercenary fighters.

The accused are Yunus Ali, former president of the upazila youth division, and Mahin Islam, former municipal secretary.

According to the families, the duo collected Tk 9.5 lakh from each family through a Dhaka-based recruiting agency, RS International.

The victims are Nazmul Haque Sourav, Mehedi Hasan, Al Amin and Abdullah Al Mamun, all aged between 20 and 22.

Relatives said the youths left Dhaka for Russia on May 7 and arrived in Moscow on May 8. They initially remained in contact with their families but later allegedly had their passports and mobile phones confiscated after being taken to a military facility. Nazmul's father alleged, "Yunus took my son to Russia in exchange for Tk 9.5 lakh. Now I have learned that he has been sold to the army."

Mehedi's father said, "My son went to Russia after being promised a job, but now he is missing."

Police said they have received complaints from the families and an investigation is underway. 

The accused denied direct involvement in the matter, while local Jamaat leaders said both Yunus and Mahin had been relieved of their posts following the allegations.