What began as an invasion of an independent country by Russia is fast turning into a full-scale war. Given the bigger one having the edge over the relatively weaker one --- Ukraine, it could be termed an unequal confrontation. During the last fortnight, the already panicky Ukraine received the first salvos in the form of Russian missile attacks on its capital Kyiv and other cities. It was followed by the massing of Russian troops and artillery along its border with Ukraine. Seemingly in a lightning speed, the region, especially Kyiv, began witnessing the unfolding of a humanitarian catastrophe. According to reports, both sides suffered heavy losses of lives, Ukraine more than the attacker. As a corollary, it didn't take much time for the start of a frenzied rush of the Ukraine residents, both its citizens and foreigners, to leave the country, mostly by Poland-bound trains. Those fleeing Kiev and other cities included expatriates and Bangladeshi businesspeople and students were among them.
Until the unexpected death of a Bangladeshi sailor in a 'stray' missile strike and fire on a Bangladesh flag carrier stranded at the outer anchorage of the Olvia Port in Ukraine, the country was veritably unaffected by the conflict's heat. Of late, the woes of the 2,500 Bangladeshis in various cities of Ukraine and their frantic efforts to leave the country have added to the worries of Bangladesh. Some of the Bangladeshis engaged in various types of businesses have been living in that country for many years. Many of them have been in love with that country. Thus, it was natural to find a few of the Bangladeshis not willing to leave initially. But the ground reality turning grimmer by the day, they had to opt for joining their countrymen leaving Ukraine, leaving behind their business establishments.
So far over 600 Bangladeshis have reached the bordering Poland, the nearest country where there is a fully operative Bangladesh embassy. The trek from Ukraine, especially Kyiv and other cities, to the Ukrainian-Polish border, then onward to temporary shelters inside Poland, is a long and hazardous one. Tens of thousands of war-hit people from Ukraine continue to embark on nightmarish journeys, on train and on foot. The Bangladeshis and other expatriates have no choice. It's the lone route they have to rely on.
According to media reports, the Bangladesh Embassy in Poland is putting in best of its efforts to help the displaced Bangladeshis reach their homeland. The embassy is working in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Ukraine. Moreover, the Polish government's initiative to allow people from the Third World countries to remain 'in transit' in Poland for 15 days will prove helpful for the Bangladeshis eager to reach home. The Bangladesh Embassy in Poland is said to be constantly in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. This is heartening for both the distraught Bangladeshi expatriates and their worried relatives in the country. At the moment, the imperative of Bangladeshis entering Poland is to reunite with their near and dear ones. The Polish authorities are ready to cooperate. The Bangladesh embassy in Warsaw also has assured that it is arranging repatriation of the Bangladeshis who reached Poland from Ukraine. Bangladesh is waiting for their safe return.
