National minorities, political parties and rights organisations observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples today with a theme
of ‘Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices’ amid government restrictions.
The LGRD and cooperatives ministry on March 11 issued a directive to all deputy commissioners to launch a campaign on the electronic and print media claiming that there were no ‘indigenous people’ in the country.
‘It is desirable to avoid unnecessary jubilation in
the name of the observance of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in August, the month of national mourning,’ the directive said.
A number of rights organisations such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, Ain o Salish Kendra, Manusher Jonno Foundation, the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association, Nijera Kori and the Association for Land Reform and Development, however, expressed solidarity with the national minority peoples in their demand for their constitutional recognition as ‘indigenous peoples.’
The minister of state for cultural affairs, Pramod Mankin, ruling Awami League lawmakers and key partners in the ruling alliance at a programme on Monday urged the government to observe International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
They also expressed solidarity with the observance of the day by the country’s national minority groups.
Political organisations such as the Workers Party of Bangladesh and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal also expressed solidarity with the day’s observance.
Rights organisations and political parties that expressed solidarity with the day’s observance termed the ministry ‘regretful restrictions.’
Organisations of national minorities such as Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Kapaeeng Foundation, Maleya Foundation and Bangladesh Adivasi Parishad are likely to observe the day across the country.
The United Nation’s secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, on the occasion said, ‘From community radio and television to feature films and documentaries, from video art and newspapers to the internet and social media, indigenous peoples are using these powerful tools to challenge mainstream narratives, bring human rights violations to international attention and forge global solidarity.’
‘They are also developing their own media to reflect indigenous values and fight against myths and misconceptions,’ he said in his message for the day.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum is likely to hold a procession and a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar this morning.
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti’s president Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, also president of the forum, deputy speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Shawkat Ali, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the education ministry and the convener of the parliamentary caucus on indigenous peoples, Rashed Khan Menon, are likely to attend the rally.
Rallies are planned to be held in Chittagong, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna, Noagaon, Jaipurhat, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Sylhet, Kulaura, Srimangal, Madhupur, Cox’s Bazar, Barguna and Kuakata.
-With New Age input
