Indigenous Day observed in Tangail, Rajshahi, CHT

Indigenous people brought out a colourful rally in Modhupur yesterday as part of programmes in observance of World Indigenous Day. PHOTO: STAR

The theme of the programmes was 'Indigenous People have the right to self determination'.

A Correspondent reports from Tangail:

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The World Indigenous Day was observed in Madhupur through various colourful programmes on Monday.

It was jointly organised by Madhupur Tribal Welfare Association, Joinshahi Adibasi Unnayan Parishad, Garo Student Association and Achick Machick Society.

The programme included a colorful rally, discussion meeting and cultural function.

A discussion meeting was held at the Jalchhatra Corpost Christy High School ground with Ajoy Moor in the chair. Indigenous Writer Shubhash Jem Chum addressed the meeting as chief guest.

Among others, the indigenous leader Albart Mankin, Action Aid Country Director Nasrin Haque, its official Manjur Rashid, Executive Director of SUS Tapan Kumar Goon, Uzin Nokrek, Nisharun Nokrek and indigenous women's leader Jasinta Nokrek spoke at the meeting.

The discussion meeting concluded with a cultural function.

RU Correspondent reports: The day was observed in Rajshahi with a call to the government to take steps for constitutional recognition of rights of indigenous people and protection of their traditional culture.

The day was observed in a festive mood through various programmes including rally, cultural presentation, discussion meeting and prize distribution at Kakonhat College ground.

The programme was jointly organised by Adivasi Unnayon Sangstha (AUS) and Uttal Bangla Adivasi Lahanti Network.

A large number of indigenous people including those from Santal, Pahari and Munda communities from northern districts joined the programme that began with a big colorful procession in Kakonhat town.

The processionists carrying banners and festoons highlighting their demands paraded the town streets chanting various slogans.

The procession began with a Santal song.

The rally adopted a resolution containing the 20-point demand of indigenous people. It was read out by Adivasi Unnayon Sangtha representative Nogan Murmu.

The demands include constitutional recognition to their rights and right to education through their mother tongue.

AUS Executive Director Bhavabat Tudu presided over the rally, attended by Social Welfare Department Assistant Director Aftab Uddin Sheikh as chief guest.

Godagari Upazila Social Welfare Officer Abdul Khalek, advocate Norandronath Kischu, AUS Advisor Norandro Tudu, Blast Coordinator in Rajshahi Abdus Samad and Kakonhat College Principal Abdul Hannan were present as special guests.

Speakers at the rally said that they have a distinctive culture and heritage, but those are fading away due to lack of government patronisation and "aggressive" activities by sections of local Bangalees. Earlier, a memorandum containing the demands, addressed to the Prime Minister, was handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi.

After the meeting, atristes from Santal, Worao and Pahari communities presented traditional Danta, Dashai, Baha and Doshai dances. Prizes were given to best performers.

In Rajshahi city, the Adivasi Sangskritik Sangstha, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad and Rajshahi University Adivasi Students Association jointly formed a human chain at the Zero Point to press for acceptance of indigenous people's demands.

The Rajshahi University Adivasi Students Association also

formed another human chain in front of Central Library premises to press the demands.

It held cultural function on the Central Shaheed Miner premises.

Our Bandarban Correspondent reports:

The day was observed in Bandarban yesterday though rallies, processions and cultural programmes highlighting the indigenous people's demands.

Some local NGOs organised the programmes. In one such rally held at Baghmara Bazzar in Bandarban Sadar, speakers called upon the government to take steps to establish peace in the hills by giving constitutional recognition to the rights of indigenous people.

Anannya Kallyan Sangstha (AKS), a local NGO, in cooperation with Care, Bangladesh, organised the rally.

It was addressed by, among others, CHT Regional Council member KS Mong, AKS Executive Director Donai Prue Neli, teacher Kya Shwe Prue, journalist Monirul Islam Monu, Buddha Joyti Chakma, Headmen Mong Pu Marma, Thwai Ching Prue and Kheyang.