'Reform law to protect rights of forest people'
Speakers yesterday called upon authorities concerned to reform “Forest Act 2010” and “Wildlife Conservation Act 2010” to preserve rights of people living in forests regions.
They also urged the government to stop eviction of indigenous people in the excuse of saving national parks, eco parks, safari parks, reserve forests and social forestation.
The demands came at a two-day national convention “to establish rights of minorities in Bangladesh” organised by Fascibad O Samrajjobad Birodhi Jatiya Committee at Teacher Student Centre auditorium of Dhaka University (DU).
Speakers there placed their demands including formation of “Ethnic Commission” to solve socio-economic and political problems of indigenous people.
They urged the government to stop using the term “upajati” in government documents and textbooks as it undermines indigenous communities.
Speakers suggested representatives of people living in forest regions including the indigenous to form a seperate political organisation for their welfare.
Presided over by noted intellectual and author Badruddin Umar, the inaugural session was addressed by DU international relations department Prof Dr Akmal Hossain, Greater Syhlet Adivashi Forum President Pidison Pradhan and United Peoples Democratic Front President Prosit Bikash Khisa.
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