Ethnic communities demand identity as indigenous people

Jatiya Adivasi Parishad brings out a procession in Rajshahi city yesterday marking International Day of the World's Indigenous people. The day was observed across the globe on August 8. Photo: STAR

Ethnic communities yesterday staged a demonstration in Rajshahi city demanding their recognition as indigenous people.

They also urged the government to review the 15th amendment to the constitution and ensure their official recognition.

Around 200 people belonging to ethnic groups assembled in the city's Alupatti intersection, marking the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

They took out a procession from there and paraded the streets in the city.

Addressing a rally in front of the Public Library, the speakers urged the government to ensure ethnic people's right to land as well as political, economic and social rights.

District chapter president of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad Bimal Chandra Razoar chaired the rally that was addressed, among others, by Workers' Party Bangladesh Rajshahi city unit secretary Liakat Ali Liku and Communist Party Bangladesh city unit president Abul Kalam Azad.

Jatiya Adibashi Pariashd central committee president Anil Marandy said the ruling Awami League (AL), in its election manifesto, declared to ensure rights of indigenous people to land, water bodies and forests, but now the ruling party has forgotten its election pledges.

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courtesy: The Daily Star