Mahat and Munda Communities: Deprived of land, struggling to survive in neglect and poverty

Once landowners, the Mahat and Munda communities of Bangladesh have lost their ancestral lands to cunning moneylenders who entrapped them with debts. Thousands of people from these communities now live as impoverished strangers in their homeland. Scattered across villages in Khulna’s Koyra and Dumuria upazilas and Satkhira’s Shyamnagar, Munshiganj, Debhata, and Tala upazilas, their plight reveals a tale of exploitation and deprivation.

In the southwestern coastal region, over 38,212 people from the Munda community live in more than 5,000 settlements. Among them, 2,000 reside in the villages of South Bedkashi, North Bedkashi, and Koyra Sadar unions in Koyra upazila. Nestled near the Sundarbans, these communities follow their unique way of life.

Known for their simplicity and trust, these communities have been repeatedly exploited. Many now live in poverty, branded as a "lower class" in society. The little land they own is sold or bought at unfair prices, forcing them to rely on daily wage labor for survival. However, they are often paid below standard wages and lack the courage to protest due to their illiteracy and lack of awareness. As a result, their lives are marked by continuous hardship and deprivation.

The Munda community speaks Mundari, an Austro-Asiatic language with no written form. Over time, their alphabet has vanished, and their spoken language is on the brink of extinction, along with their unique lifestyle and cultural diversity.

Historically, the Mundas are a major ethnic group in South Asia. The word Munda originates from Sanskrit, meaning "village chief." They predominantly live in India’s Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. About 200 years ago, they migrated to Bangladesh from Odisha, establishing settlements near the Sundarbans.

The Mundas are hardworking by nature and believe their lives are meant for labor until death. They work as seasonal laborers on landlords' farms, fish in the forests, or work as domestic help. When local work is unavailable, they migrate to other districts to harvest crops or work in brick kilns.

Both men and women in Munda families work tirelessly to sustain their households. Despite their efforts, poverty remains a constant companion. Their distinct lifestyle, dietary habits, and cultural practices isolate them further from mainstream society.

Children born into Munda families inherit the burden of poverty. Malnutrition, lack of education, and neglect leave them with an uncertain future. Only 5-10% of Munda children attend school, with many dropping out to support their families through child labor.

During a visit to a Koyra village, Munda children were seen breaking bricks. When asked about their work, they appeared frightened. Though some are enrolled in school, they are compelled by poverty to help their parents by engaging in laborious tasks. These children bear scars of hunger and hardship, and their work often results in physical injuries like blisters.

Healthcare facilities are another area of neglect. Pregnant women still rely on traditional midwives, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates. Malnutrition plagues both mothers and children, as they lack access to clinics or hospitals. The lack of adequate food, nutrition, and medical care has escalated mortality rates among these communities.

Efforts are underway to provide limited government support. Housing assistance, job quotas for indigenous communities, and relief during natural disasters are some measures in place. Health campaigns are also raising awareness to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Steps have been taken to educate children and encourage them to dream of a brighter future.

For example, Sumita, an eighth-grader at North Bedkashi Barobari Secondary School, aspires to pursue higher education despite her limited environment. She dreams of overcoming social discrimination and advancing beyond cultural and economic barriers.

A young Munda man from Koyra Sadar lamented, "Our culture is disappearing. There are no schools or textbooks in our language. Our children face discrimination in schools, and we receive minimal government support. Most of our men and women survive as daily wage laborers."

He emphasized the urgent need to preserve their language and culture through initiatives like teaching Mundari in schools and developing textbooks in their native language.

Ashiquzzaman, founder of the Initiative for Coastal Development (ICD), highlighted the importance of education for Munda children, stating, "Most parents are illiterate and do not understand the value of education. Both government and private sectors must take initiatives to spread education among these disadvantaged children."

He also called for inclusive and climate-resilient programs to involve these marginalized communities and ensure that government aid reaches them effectively.

Shahabuddin Ahmed, former chairman of Koyra Sadar Union Parishad, stressed collective efforts to protect the fundamental rights of the Munda community, saying, "Educated members of society must help them understand the importance of education and lead them toward a better life."

Koyra Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ruli Biswas acknowledged the need to preserve the language and culture of these minority groups for future generations. She affirmed that alongside government efforts, NGOs are also providing support to make the Munda and Mahat communities self-reliant, with further initiatives planned for their welfare.