Hill Voice, 26 January 2025, Rangamati: Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, popularly known as Santu Larma, Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Regional Council and President of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), stated that the situation in the CHT is deeply abnormal and alarming. He warned that the 14 indigenous communities of the region are on the verge of extinction. The Jumma people of the CHT are living with a sense of insecurity and an uncertain future.
On Saturday (January 25), Santu Larma made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar and discussion meeting in Rangamati, addressing the overall situation of the indigenous communities in the CHT and the role of society. The event was organized by the CHT Chapter of the Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum at the Ashika Hall Room in Rangamati’s New Market area.
Santu Larma highlighted an incident involving graffiti, describing it as an unwanted occurrence that showcased the marginalization of Bangladesh’s 51 indigenous ethnic groups. The graffiti initially included the words Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and Indigenous Peoples, but the section mentioning “Indigenous” was torn off, symbolizing exclusion.
He further added, “Extremists do not want to recognise that Bangladesh is a pluralistic country. The 14 indigenous communities in the CHT are not only marginalized but are losing their very existence. The ruling class disrespects indigenous communities by labeling them as ‘tribals’ or ‘small ethnic groups’ instead of recognizing their names, such as Chakma, Marma, Khiyang, or Tripura. These terms carry a sense of insult and neglect.”
He also pointed out that the ruling class fears the word “indigenous.” If the Bangladesh government acknowledges the term as per United Nations recommendations, it would have to ratify international treaty that uphold indigenous rights. He explained that indigenous peoples are defined by their distinct characteristics, which are widely recognized and documented.
The seminar was chaired by Prakriti Ranjan Chakma, President of the CHT chapter of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum. Other speakers included KS Mong Marma, a member of the Regional Council; Aungcha Mong Marma, Organizational Secretary of the Hill Tracts Indigenous Forum; Madhu Mongol Chakma, Deputy Organizational Secretary; writer Shishir Chakma; Thowaiaung Marma, President of the CHT Headman Network; Lelung Khumi, Secretary for Student and Youth Affairs of the Hill Tracts Indigenous Forum; lawyer Dinonath Tanchangya; cultural personality Manoj Bahadur Gurkha; and Forum members Namita Chakma and General Secretary Intumoni Talukder.
The speakers criticized the ruling Awami League government for failing to implement the CHT peace accord during its 15 years of power. Instead, the government has harassed the PCJSS with false cases, they alleged.
