More than 200 Bangladeshis have so far crossed into Poland from Ukraine to escape the Russian attack, the Bangladesh ambassador in Warsaw told Dhaka Tribune on Saturday night.
Many more are waiting to cross at the border, Sultana Laila Hossain said.
Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on Thursday morning, inflicting heavy damage on people and property.
“I cannot give you an exact figure right now. but it can be said that the number of Bangladeshis who have crossed into Poland from Ukraine will be more than 200,” Ambassador Hossain told this correspondent at about 9:30pm (4:30 Poland time) on Saturday.
In reply to a question, the ambassador said: “Over 800 Bangladeshis living in Ukraine are now in touch with us through Whatsapp groups. As far as we know, no Bangladeshi was killed or injured in the three days of Russian attacks.”
Those who have crossed into Poland have been given shelter in centres made available by the Polish government and accommodations facilitated by the embassy, she said.
“The biggest challenge the Bangladeshis are facing is making their way to the border areas, due to the ongoing violence,” Ambassador Hossain said.
She added: “Although the number is much smaller, there are Bangladeshis along Ukraine’s borders with Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.”
