Demand for constitutional recognition of indigenous identity and land commission

Demands have been raised for constitutional recognition of indigenous identity, ensuring land rights and creating a time-bound roadmap for implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. The demands were made at an event organised at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital to mark International Indigenous Day.

The event was organised by the Bangladesh Indigenous Forum on Sunday, with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) as one of the key partners. Representatives of indigenous communities from various parts of the country, human rights activists and civil society members participated.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said International Indigenous Day is important not only for indigenous peoples but for all freedom-loving, rights-seeking and human rights activists in the country.

He said ensuring the fundamental rights of all people in Bangladesh would not be possible until the fundamental rights of the country's indigenous communities are guaranteed.

Calling for implementation of the government's election manifesto commitment to recognise indigenous identity, Iftekharuzzaman said their identity as 'indigenous' must be recognised. At the same time, a time-bound roadmap must be formulated to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.

On creating an environment of peace and trust in the hill tracts, he said the experience and reputation the army has earned globally in peacekeeping operations could be effectively utilised to establish lasting peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts as well.

The TIB executive director identified land as one of the primary areas of rights deprivation for indigenous peoples. He said, alongside making the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Commission effective in resolving land disputes in the hill tracts, a separate land commission for indigenous communities in the plains should be formed promptly.

Iftekharuzzaman said legal recognition of the 'customary land ownership' of indigenous peoples must be ensured through changes in the legal framework. This would further protect their rights over traditional lands and reduce opportunities for land grabbing or misuse.

Speakers at the event included Bangladesh Indigenous Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong, Barrister Sara Hossain, Nijera Kori Coordinator Khushi Kabir, and Shahin Anam, Executive Director of Manush Jonno Foundation.

To mark the day, the Bangladesh Indigenous Forum organised a discussion, rally and cultural programme. After the discussion, a rally was brought out from the Central Shaheed Minar. The day's programme concluded with cultural performances.