Constitutional recognition a must to ensure rights

They underscored the need for collective action to elevate their living standard as well as to uphold their distinct identity on equal footing with others.

They also opined that the launching of special development programmes for indigenous people and inclusion of their rights in the election manifestos of political parties would greatly contribute to their development.

The seminar titled 'Celebrating 109th Anniversary of Munda Uprising' was organised by Bangladesh Adibasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA) at the National Press Club in the city.

Speaking at the programme BAOA Convenor Dr Mesbah Kamal said during colonial rule Munda community fought against the British rulers to establish their customary rights to land and forest which ultimately led to their movement for political power.

"The struggle for establishing their rights is not over. Still they are fighting to achieve their rights," he said.

"In their movement Beersa Munda was an inspiration who led Munda uprising against the British colonial power in 1897," said Dr Kamal.

Saying that the country's indigenous communities have distinct socio-cultural settings and are more vulnerable compared to mainstream population, Justice KM Sobhan stressed the need for special legislation to protect their rights.

"And there is no legal bar in such legislation as our constitution permits the government to take special arrangement for the development of marginalised sections of the society," he said.

Country Representative of Oxfam GB Bangladesh Anil Prabhakar Tambay said, "Only through a collective action the indigenous communities can improve their overall condition."

He suggested people of indigenous communities to celebrate their self-identity with special reference to their own history and culture so that the good aspects of their life do not die out.

Prof Muntassir Mamoon of Dhaka University said a pro-people government is a precondition to uplift the status and condition of the indigenous people.

Woman activist Prof Maleka Begum chaired the programme which was also addressed by BAOA General Secretary Sanjib Drong, Ashraf ul Alam Tutu, Merina Juthi, Budu Munda, Harikrishna Munda and other leaders of indigenous communities.