September 2024: During a recent debate in the Australian Parliament, Chris Bowen Minister for Climate Change and Energy, raised his concerns on the political turmoil in Bangladesh, specifically calling out violence faced by ethnic and religious minorities such as Hindus and Christians. The minister listed out reports of looting, attacks and damage which included 725 homes and businesses damaged, 724 looted, 58 set on fire, and damage to 17 places of worship, with 21 looted. In his address, Chris Bowen also mentioned previous attacks on Bangladeshi minorities citing the example of the 2021 attacks on Hindus during the Durga Puja festival.
Chris Bowen cited attending a briefing that he and other Australian parliamentarians attended where the issues in Bangladesh were raised. The briefing was organised by a Hindu origin Councillor; Suman Saha and included 46 members of the Bangladeshi community and representatives from 3 families whose members have been victims of the violence. This is an example of Hindus in the diaspora using the political voice for the support of persecuted Hindus in troubled countries.
What more can Hindus do to influence the UK parliament to speak out on the persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus?