The son of a Bangladeshi expatriate in Ukraine has reportedly taken up arms—against his parents’ wishes—to fend off Russian forces.
Eighteen-year-old Md Tayeb, a university student, lives with his family in Ukraine, said his uncle Md Russel, who lives in Italy and returned home in January.
Tayeb was born to Md Habibur Rahman Aiyub of Gazipur’s Kapasia upazila and Ukrainian citizen Elena.
“He (Tayeb) left home expressing his determination to return to his parents after winning the war,” Russel told Dhaka Tribune.
Md Tayeb CollectedThe whole family back in Bangladesh is proud of Tayeb’s courage, Russel added.
Tayeb’s aunt Maryam said: “Tayeb told his parents it was not possible for him to leave Ukraine and seek refuge in another country at this critical time.
“Despite receiving invitations from relatives from neighbouring countries, Tayeb's parents did not leave Ukraine for their love for him… At nights they hide in a bunker and during daytime they seek refuge in other safe places.”
Md Tayeb CollectedOrdinary citizens all over Kyiv are taking up arms in the fight against Russian forces.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation".
As Russian forces started making their way towards Kyiv, the Ukrainian government called on all citizens to take up arms in defence of the country.
"We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a tweet.
In a video address to the nation Thursday, Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to keep up their resistance as the struggle raged on for the eighth day.
