Mohammad Mohsin Miah, 33 was found dead in Lakemba, Sydney, on October 20, his body found hanging at the rear of Darul Ulum Islamic Centre.
Originally from Bangladesh, Miah left his home in 2008 and came to Australia from Malaysia by boat in 2013. His application for a protection visa had recently been refused, and he was awaiting the result of an appeal to the Federal Circuit Court.
Syed Qamrul Hasan, public officer from the Darul Ulum Centre, noted that the young man had become withdrawn in recent times.
"Mohsin was a nice man. But he had become very quiet and silent recently."
Councillor Mohammed Shahe Zaman Titu from the Canterbury-Bankstown Council also expressed his sadness at what he said was an unexpected death.
"I think we should be more active in our community and should spend more time on social activities. This suicidal trend has not come to this stage in one day, it took a long time."
He also told SBS Bangla the death came on the anniversary of Miah's father's death.
After his death, his friends and the Darul Ulum authority met Councilor Titu to inform him of the incident.
Asad Biswas, Miah's elder brother, was contacted in Bangladesh over the phone to assure him that the necessary procedures would be taken care of, the relevant procedures in Australia. The only request from the bereaved family is for Miah's body to be returned to Bangladesh.
"It may take eight to 10 days for the forensic and coronary reports," said Councilor Titu.
"If the family give me the authority, then I will take steps to raise necessary funds in the Facebook and social media for sending the body to Bangladesh."
Councillor Titu also said that the Sydney South Shapla Shaluk Lions Club showed interest in helping return the body to Bangladesh.
He is coordinating with the Bangladesh Consulate in Sydney and the community leaders for this purpose, he added.
Darul Ulum Sydney Source: SBS Bangla
Protection visa application refused
Miah's protection visa application had been recently refused after long delays in processing, and he had lodged an appeal to that decision.
In a statement, the Refugee Action Coalition said that like many others on bridging visas, Miah had no income and did not have the right to work. He had become homeless, relying on charity and support from others in the Bangladeshi community.
"After being supported for many months by friends, he had spent the last few months going from couch to couch," reads the statement. "Friends said that his precarious situation had weighed heavily on him and that he had spoken of ending his life even several months ago. He also felt guilty for relying on others in his community for support."
“Mohammad’s death is yet another tragedy that reveals the government’s failed asylum process," said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
"His death has caused a great deal of distress throughout the refugee community.”
Mohsin had previously lived in the Rockdale mosque and recently moved to Lakemba. There he stayed at the Darul Ulum Islamic Centre where he cleaned and lived on the charity given by Bangla-speaking Muslim worshippers.
Readers seeking support can contact
Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14,
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25).
