The International Day of Indigenous Peoples was celebrated in Bandarban with the theme 'Using the creative power of tribal society to preserve the livelihood and existence of tribals'.
On the occasion of the day declared by the United Nations, the president of the Bandarban Aboriginal Forum, Dr. A discussion meeting was held in the traditional King's grounds presided over by Mong Usathoei.
People from different hill communities of the district participated in the rally wearing colorful clothes, traditional musical instruments and banner-festoons. The rally goes around the main road of the city and ends at the King's Ground.
Men and women of 11 communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Bam, Lusai, Khumi, living in Bandarban hill district participated in the event. Their presence in colorful costumes makes the whole event more attractive.
Chittagong Hill Regional Council member KS Mong was the chief guest. Various leaders of Chittagong Hill Tracts including Kripa Tripura, General Secretary of Adivasi Forum, Ripon Chakraborty, Executive Coordinator of Mass Solidarity Movement were present as special guests in the meeting.
The speakers said that the government and the international community need effective initiatives to protect the language, culture and land rights of the hill communities.
If this tribal creation is not given, we are united to give more stringent program in future.
If the word 'Aboriginal' is not recognized in the Constitution, their constitutional rights will not be protected. Hence the need for constitutional rights. Hill women should be freed from rape. The right to move freely should be given.
The speakers in the rally demanded speedy implementation of the provisions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Agreement as well as constitutional recognition of tribals. They urged the government to evict the illegal residents in the hill districts, ensure the rights of the tribals to education, land and life.
The organizing committee said that this day is not only a day of joy and celebration, but also a day to highlight their existence, rights and identity.
