Constitutional recognition demanded by indigenous peoples in Rajshahi

Constitutional recognition demanded by indigenous peoples in Rajshahi

The indigenous peoples of the north Bengal demanded constitutional recognition as ‘indigenous people’, but not as `small ethnic groups’. The demand was made in a huge human chain and public gathering at Rajshahi held on 3 May 2011 organized by Jatitya Adibasi Parishad, central committee. The speakers of the human chain and public gathering also demanded to establish a separate land commission for plain land indigenous peoples and include the indigenous peoples who were excluded from the directory of government. The human chain was presided over by Mr.Anil Marandi, president, Jatiya Adibasi Parishad, central committee. Later a memorandum was submitted to the prime minister passing through the divisional commissioner of Rajshahi division.

The human chain was carried out from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm at Bongobondhu square, Rajshahi. The speakers of the human chain said, ``the indigenous peoples are the adornment of the country. They have significant role in the great liberation war of Bangladesh as well as in all kind of democratic movements. But the indigenous peoples are still facing the identity crisis of them in Bangladesh. The government has taken initiatives to recognize indigenous peoples constitutionally .But the government is terming the indigenous peoples as `small ethnic groups’, as a substitute of `indigenous peoples’. The indigenous peoples are not pleased anymore in this regard. The indigenous peoples like to introduce themselves as the `indigenous peoples’.’’

The speakers also said, “the indigenous peoples are living with suppression and oppression constantly. They are losing their lands continuously. But the government ever expresses the affability to solve the problems of the indigenous peoples.”

The speakers demanded to preserve the sits in legislative body and local councils for indigenous peoples including indigenous women, to establish a separate ministry for plain land indigenous peoples, the constitutional recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples on natural resources including customary land rights and the full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord.

Mr. Fazle Hossain Badsha, parliament member, Rajshahi Sadar constituency, Mr. Rafiqul Islam Piyarul, secretary of Bangladesh Workers’ Party Rajshahi district branch, Mr. Rabindranath Soren, general secretary of Jatiya adibasi parishad, Mr. Mustafizur Khan Alam, general secretary of  NAP, Rajshahi district branch, Mr. Jamat Khan, general secretary of Rajshahi Rakkha Songram Parishad (Rajshahi protection Action Forum),Mz.Sharmin Murshid,executive director of Brati,Mr. Rezwanul Karim, representative of Manuser Jonno Foundation,Mr. S K L Lalan, executive director of Niskriti, Mr.Afjal Hossain, executive director of RULFAO, Mr. Debashish Pramanik, editor of ASTHA, Mr. Sohel Rana, officer of Brati, Mr. Bimal Chandra Rajowar, president of Jatiya Adibasi Parishad, district branch,Mr.Shusen Kumar Syam Duwar, general secretary of Jatiya Adibasi Par! ishad, district branch,Mr.Amin Kujur,president of Jatiya Adibasi Parishad, Naoga branch, Mr. Sobin MUnda, general secretary of Jatiya Adibasi Parishad,Naoga branch,Mr.Ramanath Mahato,president of Jatiya Adibasi Parishad, Nator branch,Ms.Kalpana Roy,director of Bangladesh Mahila parishad,Mr.Jakarious Dumri,director of MASAUS,Mr.Manik Soren,general secretary of Adibasi Chatra Porishad and so on.

The list of the excluded indigenous peoples of north Bengal in the official directory:

1. Teli, 2. Rajwar, 3. Mahle, 4. Sing (Gondo), 5. Kol Kamar, 6. Bhui Mali, 7. Lohora, 8. Bhumijo, 9. Gorat,10. Bhuiya (Rai), 11. Malo, 12. Mahato, 13. Turi, 14. Mushohor, 15. Bagdi, 16. Bediya,  7. Betiya, 18. Anguwar Rajowar, 19. Dusad, 20. Ghatowal, 21. Kormokar, 22. Boraik, 23. Pahan, 24. Kherwar, 25. Kishan, 26. Kora, 27. Maal, 28. Kadra, 29. Patni, 30. Robidash, 31. Kheriya, 32. Shabar, 33. Baniyash, 34. Suriya, 35. Raichotri, 36. Binda, 37. Tati, 38. Buna, 39. Dohora, 40. Nuniya Haari.

(Source of the list: Mr. Rabindranath Soren, general secretary of Jatiya Adibasi Parishad, Central Committee)

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Kapaeeng Foundation
(A Human Rights Organization for Indigenous Peoples of Bangladesh)
Shalma Garden, House # 23/25, Road # 4, Block # B, PC Culture Housing, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Telephone: +880-2-8190801
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