Protect our rights, culture

Indigenous people presenting a traditional dance at a day-long cultural programme, held at Dewla football ground on Friday during 'Bhaha' festivals marking 'Pahela Baishakh’. PHOTO: STAR

The demand was made at a gathering and day-long cultural

programme, held at Dewla football ground on Friday during ‘Bhaha' festivals marking ‘Pahela Baishakh'.

The programme was organised by Adivasi Unnyon Sangstha (AUS). Several hundred indigenous people from different villages joined the programmes that began with offering Puja at the foot of a big tree, followed by a colorful procession.

The processionists paraded different roads in Dewla village. A large number of indigenous people and Bangalees joined the procession.

At the 'Boishab' fair, traditional songs and dances were the main attractions.

AUS Executive Director Bhavagat Tudu and its President Ghan Chandra Mazi were present as special guests.

AUS leaders William Nablet, Shudir Shasda and many journalists attended the cultural programme, moderated by Rangit Sharan.

The speakers demanded of the government enactment of laws to protect rights of the indigenous people and their traditional culture.

They said many indigenous people are becoming homeless as local influentials have grabbed their lands and homesteads in different areas in Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Tangail and Rangpur.

As they are poor they cannot seek legal protection. The government should form special body to look into these problems.

Hundreds of Bagalees, NGO workers and foreign national also enjoyed the daylong cultural programme and fair.