The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was celebrated throughout the country with various programmes to mark the day.
This year’s theme for the day was “Bridging the gap: implementing the rights of indigenous peoples”.
Rangamati correspondent reports: Bangladesh Adivasi Forum Chittragong Hill Tracts chapter chalked out various programmes to observe the day.
A discussion was held at Rangamati Municipality office complex in the morning. Speakers at the discussion urged the Government to ensure constitutional rights of the ethnic peoples through implementation of the CHT Accord.
If the government does not implement the rights of ethnic peoples, the demand will be secured through movement, they added.
Ushaton Talukdar MP was the chief guest at the meeting. Among others, president of Parbatya Chattragram Janasanghati Samity, Rangamati Gunendu Bikas Chakma, Secretary of CHT Headmen Network, Rangamati Shanti Bijoy Chakma, Sadar upazilla chairman Arun Kanti Chakma spoke at the meeting while president of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, CHT chapter Prokriti Ranjon Chakma presided over the function.
After the discussion, a colourful procession was brought out in the district town.
The rally started from Rangamati Pourasava office premises and finished at Rangamati Outer Stadiuam meeting spot.
In Moulvibazar, Khasi and Garo communities organized rally, discussion meetings and cultural programme in observance of the day.
Grater Sylhet Adivasi Forum brought out a colourful rally from Catholic Mission area in the district town. After parading the main thoroughfares, the rally ended at local Shaheed Minar.
International Indeginous Day Observance Committee also held a discussion meeting at Borolekha Pouroshova conference room after bringing out a procession at Borolekha upazaila headquarters.
Thakurgaon correspondent adds: Nationlal Adivasi Forum Thakurgaon chapter brought out a colourful procession from in front of Thakurgaon Press Club.
Later, a discussion was held in the hall room of the press club presided over by the forum’s president Surza Mur Mur.
Among others, USDO executive director Dr Shahiduzzaman, CPB president Mirazul Islam and advocate Imran Chowdhury spoke on the occasion.
In Chapainawbgnaj, a colourful procession was brought out from in front of Fire Service office in the district town demanding to implement the rights of indigenous peoples.
A discussion was also held on the occasion. Among others, Uttarbanga Adibasi Forum president Hingu Mur Mur, Korneleus Mur Murmu and Stphen Saren spoke on the occasion.