Amend act to preserve rights of indigenous communities

11 July 2010, 18:00 PM

DU Correspondent

Bangladesh Adivasi Chhatra Sangram Parishad forms a human chain at Aparajeyo Bangla on Dhaka University campus yesterday demanding amendments to the Ethnic Groups' Cultural Institutions Act, 2009.Photo: STAR

Bangladesh Adivasi Chhatra Sangram Parishad, a student's body from indigenous communities, yesterday demanded amendments to the Ethnic Groups' Cultural Institutions Act, 2009. Leaders of the organisation said the act does not preserve the rights of indigenous communities in Bangladesh. Speaking at a human chain programme held at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla on Dhaka University campus, its president Niskriti Hagidak said the act does not represent all tribal communities as only 27 communities have been listed in it. He said as many as 45 indigenous communities like Malo, Mahali, Borai, Hodi, Rajbongshi and Banai have been living in the country for years but they are not in the act. He also demanded the name of the act be changed to Indigenous Cultural Institutions Act saying that the term 'Ethnic Groups' does not properly represent the indigenous communities. Niskriti also demanded listing of the left out indigenous communities in the existing act through amendments. The leaders said they would forge a tougher movement if their demands were not met. Mong Marma, Pipika Tripura, Chanchala Chakma and Ripon Banai, among others, spoke at the programme.