Australian Minister raises concern over situation of minorities in Bangladesh

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has expressed his concerns over the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting the violence and challenges faced by ethnic and religious minorities.

“As I said at the outset, all violence to all Bangladeshis is to be deplored,” Bowen said during a session in the Australian Parliament on September 10. He noted that the Members of Parliament and the House have been closely watching the recent events in Bangladesh, including the fall of the government and the subsequent violence.

Bowen cited reports of widespread damage, looting, and attacks, including 725 homes and businesses damaged, 724 looted, 58 set on fire, and damage to 17 places of worship, with 21 looted.

He emphasised the specific attacks on religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. He mentioned that he and other colleagues from Western Sydney have raised these concerns with Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and plan to continue addressing these issues.

Bowen recalled past incidents of violence against minorities, including during the 2021 Durga Puja, and reiterated his commitment to bringing these matters to the attention of the House to assure ethnic minorities in Bangladesh that their plight is being acknowledged.

Bowen also mentioned a recent briefing for Members of Parliament, which was organised by Councillor Suman Saha of Cumberland City Council, and included 46 leaders from the Bangladeshi community who raised their concerns.

The briefing also included participation from three family members of recent victims of violence in Bangladesh. Bowen acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “There are very complex matters at play and not every report will be accurate, but, nevertheless, I am satisfied that there are genuine issues that need to be addressed.”

Bowen shared a specific incident involving Rahul Ananda, a renowned Bangladeshi musician whose home was looted and set ablaze. “I am told that Rahul’s home was host to cultural vibrance and community. Rahul is a very famous musician in the Bangladeshi community,” Bowen said, adding that Ananda’s home had previously been visited by French President Emmanuel Macron, but since the attack, he has been forced to flee Bangladesh.

Reflecting on these events, Bowen reiterated that “all violence is to be abhorred,” and noted that Minister Wong has underscored the importance of restoring stability in Bangladesh. He also acknowledged the efforts of the new government, led by Muhammad Yunus, in addressing these challenges.