Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has said their thoughts are with all Bangladeshis at this difficult time and he particularly made reference to the violence and the plight of ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh.
“All violence is to be abhorred,” he said while speaking at the Australian Parliament on September 10, noting that the members and the whole House would have watched with great concern the episodes in Bangladesh over recent months, with the fall of the government and the violence.
“As I said at the outset, all violence to all Bangladeshis is to be deplored”, he said, adding that he wants to take this opportunity to raise the particular matter of attacks on religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh—Hindus, Christians and others, according to the Parliament of Australia.
“I, together with other Western Sydney colleagues, have written to Minister Wong raising this issue. We'll continue to raise these concerns,” said the Australian Minister.
He said their representatives in Bangladesh have been actively ensuring that Australia's views about the need for a return to stability and lack of violence are represented.
“There has been violence against these minorities in the past, particularly in 2021 during the Durga Puja, but I wanted to take this opportunity to raise this very important matter for the information of the House and to assure Bangladeshis who are ethnic minorities that the House is watching and listening,” Bowen said.
Recently, the Australian Minister said, there was a briefing of members of parliament, which he participated in online.
“I was joined by Dr Charlton, Dr Freelander, Anne Stanley, Thistlethwaite and representatives from Minister Husic's office and Minister Rollin's office. The briefing was organised by Councillor Suman Saha of Cumberland City Council and 46 leaders of the Bangladeshi community who raised issues,” he said.
The minister said they were also joined by three members of the families of victims of violence in Bangladesh over recent months.
“There are very complex matters at play and not every report will be accurate, but, nevertheless, I'm satisfied that there are genuine issues that need to be addressed. Genuine issues were raised in this meeting: 725 homes and businesses damaged, 724 homes and businesses looted, 58 homes and businesses set on fire, 17 places of worship damaged, 21 places of worship looted,” he mentioned.
Included in these statistics are human stories, said the Minister, adding that it has been reported that Rahul Ananda's home was looted and set on fire.
“I'm told that Rahul's home was host to cultural vibrance and community. Rahul is a very famous musician in the Bangladeshi community,” Bowen said.
His house has previously been visited by President Macron of France. “But, since the attack, Rahul has been forced to flee Bangladesh. This is one of many stories during this tragedy. All violence is to be abhorred. Minister Wong made it clear that we want restoration of stability in Bangladesh. I do recognise the efforts of the new government, led by Muhammad Yunus,” Bowen added.
