'Ethnic minority' not our identity
Says indigenous people
Indigenous community people at a public rally yesterday reiterated their demand to be recognised as indigenous people, not as “ethnic minority” and vowed to continue movement to press home their demand.
Mentionable, the parliamentary special committee on constitutional amendment recently decided to recognise indigenous people as “ethnic minority”.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, a forum of indigenous people, organised the rally at Central Shaheed Minar in the city. Hundreds of indigenous community people and a number of eminent citizens and politicians took part in the event.
The community demanded constitutional recognition since Bangladesh's independence but country's rulers remain indifferent as they are driven by capitalism and communalism, said Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) regional council.
Transparency International Bangladesh Chairperson Sultana Kamal said ruling Awami League, in its manifesto, had claimed they would implement CHT Peace Accord and ensure rights of indigenous people but it is not implementing the manifesto.
Columnist Syed Abul Maksud, CPB General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, Dhaka University (DU) VC AAMS Arefin Siddique, Gono Forum leader Pankaj Bhattacharya, DU Prof Mesbah Kamal and Action Aid Country Director Farah Kabir also spoke.
Later, a protest procession was held from Shaheed Minar, through Doel Chattra, Bangla Academy and TSC and back.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments