Indigenous leaders have criticised the government for issuing fresh directives against the marginalised people of the country’s hills and plains alleging that such order violates the constitution.
The Housing and Public Works Ministry on August 16 issued an official order for different government institutions asking them to remain cautious while permitting the indigenous peoples to hold programmes at the state’s establishments and national historical places.
The order also warned that some vested interests were trying to establish the word “indigenous” – though it is unconstitutional – as part of a local and international conspiracy.
The government in 2011 incorporated in the constitution “small nationalities and ethnic minorities” apart from the previously mentioned “tribal.” But it says nowhere that the word “indigenous” (adivasi in Bangla) cannot be used. The amended constitution also identifies all the citizens as Bangalee, a move opposed by the indigenous groups.
Since then, the government has issued orders on several occasions asking different organs of the state to refrain from using the word “indigenous.”
Earlier this year, the government ordered that the indigenous people of the CHT would not be able to communicate with any local or foreigner without the presence of any representative of the administration or the law enforcers.
In November last year, the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samity (PCJSS) announced non-cooperation movement from May this year demanding that the crucial clauses of the 1997 Peace Accord be implemented at the earliest.
Several indigenous groups have also been demonstrating against the government’s move to establish educational institutions, tourist spots and BGB camps alleging that the initiatives contradict with the Peace Accord.
According to the circular, the decision came on the basis of a report of an intelligence agency.
The order says: “Vested interests with the help of national and international assistance have been involved in deep conspiracy to establish the unconstitutional demand of identifying the adivasis in Bangladesh.”
The government observed that to materialise the demand, the use of Dhaka’s important places and architectures like the Liberation Museum, Central Shaheed Minar, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Dhaka University TSC area and Institution of Engineers Bangladesh had increased recently. “They also have a tendency to tactfully engage national politicians and senior government officials in their events,” it adds.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum Secretary Sanjeeb Drong has termed the fresh directives aggressive attitude of the government. “It is sad and unacceptable. Such an order will further worsen the state of the indigenous peoples.
PCJSS Information and Publicity Secretary Mangal Kumar Chakma said: “The directives are totally contradictory with our constitution as it ensures freedom of thought and conscience, and freedom of gathering.”
When contacted, State Minister for CHT Affairs Ministry Bir Bahadur U Shoi Singh declined to comment on the matter saying that he was busy at a function.
