'Recognise Adivasis as indigenous'
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) yesterday rejected some proposals made by the parliamentary special committee on constitutional amendment terming those “confusing” and “communal”.
The samity leaders demanded constitutional recognition of indigenous people as “indigenous” rather than “ethnic minority communities” or “tribal” to protect their social, political and economic rights, says a press release.
The special committee completely ignored demands of indigenous people. Such kind of proposal is a reflection of colonial mindset of the ruling class. It is not acceptable to Jumma people, said Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma) while addressing a press conference at a city hotel yesterday.
Demanding withdrawal of the proposed provision terming people of Bangladesh as Bangalee, he said "As citizens, we are Bangladeshi but we are not Bangalees as a community."
As per the proposal no 23 (Ka), the state will preserve culture and tradition of tribal and ethnic groups towards their development, he said.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong, Gono Forum leader Pankaj Bhattacharjee, and columnist Syed Abul Maksud were also present.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments