Hill Voice, 9 August 2026, Chattogram: On the occasion of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples today, Sunday, 9 August, a discussion meeting and cultural program were organized by the Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Chattogram Region, at the Chattogram Press Club.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Rahman Nasir Uddin, Professor of Anthropology at Chittagong University, stated that the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples is an invaluable asset to the nation and that recognizing their identity will play a vital role in building a humane state. Criticizing the absence of self-identity recognition for Indigenous communities in the constitution, he urged everyone to continue this struggle.
Inaugurating the event, poet and journalist Abul Momen demanded special measures for land reform and the preservation of Indigenous languages and culture in line with the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord.
Presiding over the meeting, Sharat Jyoti Chakma remarked that Bangladesh cannot become an inclusive democratic nation while keeping its Indigenous Peoples in an existential crisis.
Among others who spoke at the event were Professor Dr. Jinbodhi Bhikkhu, Tapas Hor, and Pahari Bhattacharya.
Following the discussion session, a cultural program was presented by Rendezvous Shilpigosthi, a cultural organization of Chittagong University’s Indigenous Students.
