Hill Voice, 15 July 2025, International Desk: Monira Tripura  representative of the Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum (BIYF) calls on the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) to engage with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to support the recognition of Indigenous Peoples of Bangladesh.

Monira Tripura delivered statement on agenda “Item 8: Panel discussion on the role of national and regional human rights institutions in achieving the ends of the Declaration” on Tuesday (July 15).

The 18th session of the EMRIP began on Monday (July 14) at the United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva, Switzerland. The session will continue until July 18. Augustina Chakma of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti, Monira Tripura and Tony Chiran of the Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum are participating in the 18th session of the EMRIP.

Monira Tripura said in her statement that National Human Rights Commissions of various countries can play an important role in establishing the rights of indigenous peoples. The National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh is no exception in this regard. Therefore, I appreciate the engagement of the Expert Mechanism with the National Human Rights Commission.

The constitution of Bangladesh does not recognize indigenous peoples as indigenous peoples. The constitution recognizes them as “tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities”, which the indigenous peoples have not accepted.

Indigenous people are not only recognized as indigenous people, but they are also termed as Bengalis as a nation in the constitution. However, indigenous people are not Bengalis. They have a distinct culture and ethnic identity.

However, with constitutional reform currently underway under the interim government, there is an opportunity to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples and their rights. The National Human Rights Commission can play a significant role in supporting this recognition.

Unfortunately, due to the current unstable political situation in Bangladesh, the National Human Rights Commission is not active at the moment. The Commission has not yet been reconstituted, as its previous term expired in November last year. However, the government has pledged to form a new National Human Rights Commission soon.

There are more than 54 Indigenous Peoples groups in Bangladesh. Their cultures, languages, customs, and traditions are on the verge of extinction due to the lack of official recognition as Indigenous Peoples.

Finally, Monira Tripura calls on the Expert Mechanism to engage with the National Human Rights Commission to support the recognition of Indigenous Peoples, as well as their rights to self-determination, self-governance, land, territories, and natural resources. She also urges support for the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and the protection of cultural rights as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.