Speakers at a discussion have called for the recognition of ethnic minorities in the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a political solution to the existential crisis faced by the ethnic minorities in Bangladesh.
They argued that for true national progress, the inclusion and recognition of these communities are essential.
The discussion and exchange meeting, titled "Manabendra Narayan Larma's Constitutional Philosophy: July Mass Uprising, State Reform, and Indigenous Partnership," was organized by Maorum Journal and IPNews BD on Tuesday afternoon.
The speakers criticized the current Constitution for its exclusionary nature and stressed the relevance of Manabendra Narayan Larma's philosophy, particularly regarding the rights and recognition of ethnic minorities.
They also critiqued successive governments, including the interim government, for their handling of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) issue, which they said requires a political solution.
Writer and researcher Pavel Partha initiated the discussion, while notable participants included Dr Amena Mohsin, former professor of International Relations at Dhaka University; Professor Robayet Ferdous of Dhaka University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism; Jahangirnagar University anthropology professor Mahmudul Sumon; writer and journalist Ehsan Mahmud; and National Citizens’ Committee spokesperson Samanta Sharmin.
Call for pluralism and inclusivity
Professor Robayet Ferdous criticized the Constitution for being patriarchal and exclusionary, noting that it prioritizes Bangalees and Muslims while disregarding the rights of other ethnicities, religions, and languages.
“We talk about an inclusive Bangladesh, but our Constitution is only for men, only for Bangalees, only for Muslims, and only for the Bengali language,” he said, adding that it does not reflect the pluralistic and multicultural reality of Bangladesh.
Dr Amena Mohsin emphasized the need for reform in the CHT regulations and the contradictions in the CHT Accord that undermine minority rights.
She criticized the ongoing discourse that simplifies and marginalizes hill people under the guise of Bangalee supremacy.
Larma’s vision of the Constitution
Prominent writer and researcher Pavel Partha said that Larma's ideas, rooted in the desire for a pluralistic and inclusive state, are more relevant than ever in the context of current political movements.
Larma advocated for a Constitution that would protect the rights and dignity of all classes, castes, and communities, opposing the exclusive focus on Bengali identity.
Dipayan Khisa, editor of Maorum Journal and a human rights activist, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Larma’s lone fight in the 1972 Constituent Assembly for pluralism and against what he called “Awami fascism.”
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the voices of ethnic minorities are included in any future state reforms.
New generations and ongoing struggles
Jahangirnagar University professor Mahmudul Sumon called on the younger generation to engage with these issues and to push for reforms that protect the rights of marginalized communities.
“We must remove the colonial lens through which we view the CHT question and ensure the indigenous people’s rights as citizens of this country,” he said.
Writer and journalist Ehsan Mahmud pointed out the lack of minority representation in the Constitution Reform Commission, stressing that the struggle for dignity and justice for ethnic minorities began when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman urged them to assimilate as Bangalees.
Poet and writer Mithun Raksam highlighted the government's lack of response to recent floods in North Bengal, contrasting it with their reaction to other parts of the country.
He pointed out that marginalized people continue to face discrimination due to the absence of constitutional recognition of their identity.
The path forward
Jatiya Nagorik Committee member and journalist Anik Roy called the CHT problem a political one, arguing for the establishment of a governance system that ensures equal rights for all regions of the country.
"It is not possible to build a discrimination-free society by ruling and exploiting a particular region," he said.
Lawyer and Jatiya Nagarik Committee member Sayak Chakma emphasized the importance of indigenous peoples in the July uprising and stressed that they must have an equal partnership in any reforms aimed at creating a more just and inclusive state.
The meeting, which shed light on the urgent need for constitutional reform, was conducted by IPNews Deputy Editor Satej Chakma.
