Suprovat Sydney Special Report: On the evening of July 21, 2024, a substantial gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis assembled in Railway Parade, Lakemba, Sydney, to protest the ongoing genocide and government repression in Bangladesh. The demonstration, held in the Bangladesh community-dense area of Sydney, saw participants expressing their outrage over the recent violence and brutality. During
Suprovat Sydney Special Report: On the evening of July 21, 2024, a substantial gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis assembled in Railway Parade, Lakemba, Sydney, to protest the ongoing genocide and government repression in Bangladesh. The demonstration, held in the Bangladesh community-dense area of Sydney, saw participants expressing their outrage over the recent violence and brutality.
During the protest, attendees performed funeral prayer (Gayeb Janaza) in absentia for the thousands of victims, including students, workers, and ordinary citizens, who have lost their lives in the recent atrocities. This solemn act was a tribute to the souls of those who have fallen in the past week, reflecting the community’s grief and solidarity in the face of state violence.
Following the dissemination of disturbing images depicting the coordinated torture and killings by the student organization Chhatra League and the police under the Awami League government in Bangladesh, expatriate Bangladeshis in Australia, like their counterparts in other countries, have responded with intense outrage.
In an immediate and spontaneous reaction, ordinary Bangladeshis, irrespective of political affiliation, have organized several protest gatherings across various Australian cities. Over the past Friday, Saturday, and today (Sunday), more than a dozen protest events have been held in Melbourne and Sydney alone.
In response to the expatriate Bangladeshis’ reaction, Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has expressed concern over the human rights situation in Bangladesh. She also conveyed support for the students who have been subjected to abuse, through a message on social media.
Additionally, several political figures and organizations have issued direct video messages in response. These include Hon. Tony Burke MP, Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman; Senator David Shoebridge; Senator Dave Sharma; Hon. Jason Wood MP; Senator Andrew Bragg; Mr. Mark Joseph Coure MP; Nathan Hararty MP; and South Asian Policy Initiatives (SAPI), among others.
Statements from Australian politicians regarding Bangladesh have garnered significant attention through various media channels. Former Deputy Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown City Council, Clr Khodr (Karl) Saleh OAM, attended the event but expressed regret that, due to the overwhelming crowd, he was unable to reach the front of the stage.
In this context, on Sunday evening, a significant protest rally and symbolic funeral prayer (Janaza) were organized in the Lakemba area through the joint efforts of 11 major Bangladeshi-Australian community organizations. This event marked the first symbolic funeral prayer held in Australia by the Bangladeshi community in response to the current situation. The Janaza was led by Imam Abu Huraira of the St. Mary’s Mosque, honouring those who have been inhumanely and unjustly killed by the police and government-affiliated thugs in Bangladesh.
The joint organizers of this protest rally and symbolic funeral prayer included several social organizations: Community Youth and Citizen Development Inc (www.cycdo.com.au), Global Voices for Humanity, iRights Australia, Care BD, and Australians for Bangladesh, the Student Association of Australia, and the Citizen Movement of Australia, among others.
The protest, conducted under the leadership of eminent scholar Professor Shibli Abdullah and chaired by prominent social activist and journalist Abdullah Yousuf Shamim, saw a remarkable turnout of overflowing crowds.
At the start of the gathering, a welcoming address was given by Mr. Mosleh Uddin Howlader Arif, Chairman of the organizing group Citizen Movement Australia. The event featured speeches from notable guests, including Mayor Bilal El-Hayek of Canterbury-Bankstown City Council, Deputy Mayor Ibrahim Khalil Masud of Campbelltown City Council, and distinguished community figures such as veteran freedom fighter Enamul Haque Bhuiyan, Nasir Ullah, Faruk Hossain, President of Care Bangladesh, Md. Abul Hasan of BNP Australia, iRights Australia founder Habib Rahman, ANM Masum of the Liberal Party, online activist Munni Chowdhury Medha, Zakir Alam Lelin of the Jahangirnagar University Student Association, Obaidul Islam of the Jahangirnagar University Student Association Australia, and popular poet Rahat Shantanu, Prometheus Siddiqui from Yunus Centre.
The speakers condemned the ongoing genocide in Bangladesh and expressed their condolences for the victims. They called for continued solidarity and action from all Bangladeshi expatriates. They also extended heartfelt greetings and commendations to professionals in Kolkata for their similar efforts. Attendees were advised to report any threats or intimidation from AwamiLeague members or Bangladesh embassies to the local police, with assurance of full cooperation from the authorities. For further communication, individuals may email: suprovat.ceo@gmail.com.
From the platform of Australia’s non-profit and human rights organizations, strong demands have been articulated, as outlined below:
- Resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: We demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who issued orders for the brutal genocide of young students and ordinary people. She must take full responsibility for these actions.
- Accountability for Key Awami League Leaders: We call for accountability from the responsible leaders of the Awami League, including General Secretary and Minister for Communication Obaidul Quader, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and Law Minister Anisul Haque.
- Justice for Law Enforcement Officials: We demand that all responsible police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers be held accountable. Additionally, all individuals involved, including Chhatra League members and other perpetrators, must face justice for their involvement in violence and killings.
- Diplomatic and Economic Pressure on Sheikh Hasina’s Government: We urge the Australian government to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Only international pressure can compel them to halt the ongoing human rights abuses in Bangladesh.
- Implementation of the Magnitsky Act: We call on the Australian government to use the Magnitsky Act to halt corrupt Awami League leaders, law enforcement officials, and government personnel. These individuals are transferring their illicit assets to Australia and using this country as a safe haven.
The event witnessed a massive influx of community members, eventually blocking the entire street. From the afternoon, people of all ages, children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly began to converge at the venue. Attendees included not only many Bangladeshis but also people from other countries who came to show their solidarity. A significant number of participants attended with their families, and the presence of Bangladeshi students was also notable.
There was a palpable sense of urgency and protest among the crowd regarding the situation in Bangladesh. The anxiety of expatriates, exacerbated by internet shutdowns and restricted phone communication in Bangladesh, was evident in their conversations. The protesters expressed their anger through intense slogans and called for justice and redress.
Describing the situation in Bangladesh is a daunting task. In this context, it is evident that without a deep love for one’s country, taking action against the state becomes possible. Despite graduating from prestigious institutions like Dhaka University or BUET, talented Bangladeshi students often struggle to find employment, whereas Indian nationals do not face similar job difficulties. Indians enter Bangladesh as tourists and subsequently engage in illegal employment to sustain themselves.
Quartz India reported in a survey that in 2013, Bangladesh was the fifth-largest source of remittances to India. That year, Indians working in Bangladesh sent over $5.7 billion to India. According to an op-ed in The Daily Star, these figures are based on official statistics. Private estimates suggest that the actual amount is significantly higher, with the article claiming that many of these individuals entered Bangladesh on tourist visas and subsequently stayed illegally. It is estimated that several hundred thousand Indians are working illegally in Bangladesh.
A column in The Financial Express has reported that in 2009, approximately 500,000 Indians were residing illegally in Bangladesh. The article claims that these individuals were employed in various sectors, including NGOs, garments, textiles, and IT. They were reportedly sending money back home through informal remittance systems such as Hundi to support their families. Additionally, it is suggested that some were involved in illegal activities, including allegedly the alcohol, drug, and sex trade. According to Daily Industry, the number of illegal Indian residents in Bangladesh could have reached up to 1 million by 2022.
India views Bangladesh as a significant economic market and has effectively treated it as a peripheral market. The Indian government has strategically maneuverer to influence various aspects of Bangladesh’s internal affairs. The Hasina administration has made agreements with India that are now impacting the ordinary citizens of Bangladesh. There are questions about why Sheikh Hasina seems unable to speak assertively in front of India, and why her responses are muted. What is the nature of the video evidence that seems to have silenced her? The widespread destruction caused by Indian and Chhatra League terrorists has left many people questioning why Hasina remains silent in the face of such threats.
Why did the government take the role of such a mad dog when the students raised legitimate and reasonable demands in Job discrimination? Hasina’s government could have handled the issue better had it not been drug addict and illiterate. But yes, India, the worst nation in the world, is more affected by the quota movement. India thinks that if the quota is properly modified, Indians may be expelled from Bangladesh – in that case India may have to come down with a begging bag. So, the Indian government unleashes their professional terrorists on innocent students. They even went from house to house and shot innocent, innocent boys and girls in the head. Dead bodies everywhere in Bangladesh. But these grandfathers are accomplices of the main alleged terror in Bangladesh. Most of the BJP follower is like an animal without compassion. They have to stand in front of the whole world, they are killing the innocent people of Bangladesh by putting a gun on the neck of Mafia Hasina. This is a complete genocide by the corrupted Hasina regime.
Trains, buses, factories, mosques, shopping centers, etc. are being set on fire by alleged Indian terrorists and BCL terrorists. Named opposition parties with fire for so long – now pressing on students. Bangladesh has become a stagnant country without security, freedom and sovereignty. Demand for Sheikh Hasina’s hanging is the need of the hour today, including in Sydney. If you look at the following links, you will get some idea about the situation of Indians.
Bangladeshi Students Respond to Government Massacres in a Different Manner, the students of Bangladesh, enraged by the government’s mass killings, have responded in a different manner. They declared a cyber war against various government institutions. As a result, they hacked into major government entities, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Bangladesh Police Department, and Bangladesh Bank, gaining control over these institutions. The cyber industry in Bangladesh has advanced to such an extent that the government, unable to cope, was eventually forced to shut down the entire system.
The ruling Awami League and its Indian allies expressed their inability to handle the situation. Indian IT and cyber experts, despite their claims of expertise, were unable to counter the efforts of our country’s young cyber warriors. This illustrates that, despite India’s self-proclaimed IT expertise, it is essentially a façade. Indian IT experts are no match for our small, skilled students. Consequently, there is a noticeable animosity from India towards the people of Bangladesh.
Interestingly, whenever there is a new innovation in Bangladesh, it creates a media frenzy. However, after a few days, the individual behind the innovation disappears, often having been disappeared or silenced. In contrast, in any other country, the opposite is usually true.
It is very important not to have relations with those who worship India or support Hasina, do not marry their sons and daughters, boycott them socially. If you get a wedding-party or an invitation somewhere, you will first find out if anyone from Awami League, Chatro League or Jubo League has been invited? If those murderers are invited, decline the invitation. There is nothing to fear or be ashamed of, your rejection will change one day, just boycott them socially.
The World is stunned by the State-Sanctioned Brutal Killings by the Bangladeshi Government, the global community is astonished by the state-sanctioned brutal killings perpetrated by the Bangladeshi government. Anti-Hasina movements have emerged in nearly every country, as seen through social media and various mass media channels. Human rights organizations, ministers, officials, and leaders from across the world have expressed their condolences and solidarity with the students. On behalf of the people of Sydney, we extend our revolutionary congratulations to them.
Efforts are underway to gather detailed information about individuals residing abroad who engaged in terrorist activities in Bangladesh during the recent fraudulent elections. The Australian government has shown particular interest in collecting this information. Additionally, initiatives are being taken to inform local authorities in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and various European nations about the names and addresses of members of the Awami League’s affiliated organizations, including Chhatra League, Jubo League, and other terrorist groups from Bangladesh.
Such acts of terrorism are contrary to the ideals of peaceful societies in Australia. Given that the primary objectives of these organizations are oppression, brutality, rape, and persecution, experts advise remaining vigilant & open eyes to ensure the safety of citizens.
It is often observed that Awami League officials and ministers from Bangladesh travel abroad under the pretext of attending delegate training or seminars. They seem more interested in indulging in alcohol, gambling, casinos, and brothels than in returning to their country. Consequently, their local supporters manage their affairs back home. Many people have expressed the view that the government should be informed to prevent such corrupt and ineffective individuals from participating in seminars or training abroad.
Announcement of the Martyrdom of Mohammad Rohan Khan among so many.
Suprovat Sydney understand that Mohammad Rohan Khan (17), the nephew of Mohammad Sharif from Sydney, has become a martyr. Our office has also received news about the passing of many relatives and friends of people in Sydney. We intend to publish these details one by one in the future, God willing.
Suprovat Sydney, the only Bengali newspaper published in Australia, was the media partner for the entire human chain event. Congratulations are extended to the organization’s president and the event’s chairman for their roles in making the event a success through live coverage and various forms of support. Many attendees expressed their views that this was the largest human chain event ever held within the Bangladeshi community in Australia’s history. Thank you so much everyone including all community members, leaders, dignitaries, VIP and students.
Please check uncut, raw video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iHEnu2BWIw
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