Eminent personalities have called for integrated and effective initiatives to ensure land rights for indigenous communities and preserve biodiversity, stressing that the government, civil society, and local communities must work together for sustainable development.
The remarks came at a seminar organised by the Bangladesh Agro-Ecology Platform (BAP) project at the Caritas Development Institute auditorium in the capital on Sunday.
Expressing concern over oppression and harassment of indigenous peoples, former adviser to the interim government Farida Akhter said, “Many things are being renamed for indigenous peoples. This is genocide. It must be stopped.”
She called for an end to the indiscriminate creation of eco-parks, saying they “violate people’s rights and destroy the environment and surroundings.” She expressed hope that the current government would take swift action to protect indigenous peoples, including their land rights.
National Pension Authority Executive Chairman Md Suratuzzaman said indigenous peoples are at risk due to climate change and other factors. “Their protection must be ensured. Land rights must be established. There is a constitutional obligation in this regard,” he said, adding that the current government is taking steps.
Indigenous Peoples Development Services (IPDS) President Sanjeeb Drong presented a 15-point recommendation, including recognition of traditional land rights, formation of a separate land commission for indigenous peoples in the plains, and mandatory prior informed consent before undertaking any project affecting their lives and livelihoods.
Caritas Bangladesh Executive Director Daud Jiban Dash said the protection of indigenous land rights and biodiversity is an important component of national development.
The seminar was addressed by Professor Kazi Kamrul Islam of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Associate Professor Shilpi Kundu of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, researcher Pavel Partha, Bangladesh Kisan Foundation President Badrul Alam, and Caritas Bangladesh Director Apurba Mroong and Manager Subas A Gomes.
