'All Violence is to be Abhorred': Australian Minister on Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh

Sydney: In light of the violence in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina 's removal, Australia has expressed concern over the challenges faced by minorities and other ethnic groups. Chris Bowen, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, stated, "As I said at the outset, all violence to all Bangladeshis is to be deplored." During a session in the Australian Parliament earlier this week, Bowen highlighted that Members of Parliament and the House have been closely monitoring the situation in the South Asian nation, including the collapse of Hasina's administration.

Quoting reports of the damage, looting and attacks across Bangladesh , Bowen said that around 275 houses and businesses were damaged, 724 were looted, 58 were set on fire, 17 places of worship were damaged and 21 were looted.

'All Violence is to Be Abhorred'

Speaking at the session, Bowen emphasised specific attacks on religious groups and minorities in Dhaka. He mentioned that he along with his colleagues from Western Sydney have raised the same issue with Penny Wong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and plans to continue addressing this issue.

Recalling past incidents and the 2021 Durga Puja incident, Bowen reiterated his commitment to such matters to the attention of the House to ensure that ethnic groups in Bangladesh are acknowledged.

He added that during the recent briefing for Members of Parliament, organised by Councillor Suman Saha of Cumberland City Council, which has 46 leaders from the Bangladeshi community raised their concerns.

The briefing also had people recent victims of violence in Bangladesh .

Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Bowen said, "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."

He also mentioned the 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," he said adding that the musician's house was once visited by French President Emmanuel Macron, but since the attack, he has been forced to flee Bangladesh .