The principal aim of BD Diaspora (Bangladeshi Diaspora) is to create a space online where Bangladeshi living abroad can share their stories to each other. The group wants to focus on the stories of educated, professional segment of the international Bangladeshi diaspora and bring them together. Founded in 2015 by two Bangladeshi diaspora – Wahid Siddique and Tanveer Ahmed – it is based in Sydney, Australia. The mission of the group is to “Bring together the educated, professional segment of the international Bangladeshi migrant group.” The group write, interview, take picture and make videos on Bangladeshi diaspora community in Australia.
“BD Diaspora is a group whose unique experiences of forging complex, global identities are rarely told either in the mainstream media of their adopted countries or in the media produced from their ethnic communities, which have a predominant first generation and nostalgic focus. Their challenges are at the forefront of what it means to be a modern, global citizen and will have universal appeal. It is a community and culture that can be conformist and reluctant to be open about their experiences which can hamper social improvement. There is also a large group of interested people who are similarly connected through either marriage, friendships or their work. BD Diaspora aims to give them a voice too.”
“As part of providing a forum to bring together these groups, it will have a parallel aim to create an enthusiastic community to help the development of Bangladesh. The difficulties of Bangladeshi development reflect the most pressing international challenges, whether it is extremism, climate change or corruption. This may occur financially, through providing skills or through lobbying as well fostering activist tourism, exchange programs and networking.”