Thousands of indigenous people gathered in Rangamati on Saturday to observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
The event, organized by International Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Committee, began with a discussion held at Rangamati Municipality premises.
The discussion was chaired by committee convener Prakriti Ranjan Chakma.
Former Member of Parliament Ushatan Talukder attended as the chief guest, while former member of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Nirupa Dewan was present as special guest. The event was inaugurated by educator, writer, and researcher Shishir Chakma.
Following the discussion, a vibrant cultural procession was held, with participants dressed in traditional attire.
The colourful rally started from the municipality compound and paraded through key streets in the town, ending at Rangamati Shilpakala Academy.
In his address, chief guest Ushatan Talukder criticized ongoing discrimination against indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
“While the rest of the country sings of youth-led progress, the indigenous peoples of the hills are still subjected to exploitation, deprivation, and humiliation,” he said.
He questioned whether the new Bangladesh, shaped by the dreams of youth, was truly being protected. He added, “Superpowers like the US and Russia have now turned their attention to Bay of Bengal and Myanmar. That is why our fate now hangs in balance.”
Referring to upcoming national elections, Talukder remarked, “Even though a letter has been sent to Chief Election Commissioner stating elections will be held in February, people still wonder if they will happen at all; because it seems to depend on what the US wants. India, too, has its own interests. Our country is becoming a puppet in the hands of global powers.”
Indigenous leaders at the event demanded immediate constitutional recognition for indigenous peoples in Bangladesh and urged the government to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
They warned that if recognition and rights are not granted soon, they will launch stronger protest programs.
The day’s events reflected a renewed commitment among indigenous communities to secure their identity, rights and a dignified place within the nation’s future.
