Implementation of CHT accord urged
Speakers at a city programme yesterday urged the government to fulfill its electoral pledge through implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace treaty and to remove Islam as the state religion from the constitution.
They said the government should recognise the basic rights of indigenous people apart from the rights of the country's mainstream people.
They made the demands at a rally at Teachers Students Centre in Dhaka University (DU) marking the 28th death anniversary of indigenous leader Manabendra Narayan Larma.
Terming Larma a progressive leader, writer and columnist Syed Abul Maksud, who chaired the programme, said Larma struggled throughout his life to establish a society free from oppression and discrimination.
He demanded reserved seats for the indigenous people in the elections, including local government and national elections.
Lawmaker Hasanul Haque Inu, general secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, demanded recognition of the indigenous communities.
"The indigenous communities should reach a unanimous decision before placing their demands before the government", Inu added.
Bangladesh Adivashi Forum General Secretary Sanjib Drong said Larma fought for realising the basic human rights, including the rights of language and culture of the indigenous people.
Bangladesh Workers' Party General Secretary Anisur Rahman Mallik and Parbotto Chittagong Janashanghoti Samiti Organising Secretary Shaktipada Tripura also spoke among others.
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