On August 9, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, over 54 different ethnic communities in Bangladesh will celebrate with various programs in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and other indigenous-populated regions.
This year’s theme is: “Indigenous Rights and the Future: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Empowerment.” The Bangladesh Adivasi Forum and other organisations have planned a series of events.
Dhaka
According to CHT news website Hill Voice’s Facebook page, the main event will be held at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar at 10am, featuring discussions, cultural programmes, and a colourful rally. Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women & Children Affairs Sharmeen S Murshid will attend as chief guest.
Originally, President of the Adivasi Forum and Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriya (Santu) Larma was supposed to chair the event. However, he canceled his Dhaka trip due to security concerns.
Chattogram
At 3pm, a gathering and rally will begin at Nandan Kanan Buddhist Temple, followed by a discussion and cultural programme at Chittagong Press Club’s July Smriti Hall at 4pm. Renowned poet and journalist Abul Momen will inaugurate the event, with Professor Rahman Nasir Uddin of Chittagong University as chief guest.
Rangamati
At 9am, a gathering will take place at the District Municipal Office premises, followed by an opening ceremony at 9:30am and a colourful procession from the Municipal Office to Rajbari Shilpakala Academy.
President of the Adivasi Forum (Chittagong Chapter) Prakriti Ranjan Chakma will chair the event, with former MP Ushatan Talukder as chief guest.
Bandarban
At 9am, a public gathering will be held at Raja Field, followed by mass singing at 9:30am, a discussion at 10 AM, and a rally at 12:30pm.
Writer and indigenous filmmaker Mong Ushathowai will preside, with member of the CHT Regional Council KS Mong as chief guest, and journalist Ehsan Mahmud as special guest.
Khagrachhari
A rally, assembly, and cultural programme will be held at the district headquarters at 10am.
Rajshahi
At 2pm, a joint rally, discussion, and cultural programme will take place at Rajshahi University’s TSC, chaired by President of the Indigenous Students’ Council Sanjay Kumar Orao with student adviser Md Amirul Islam as chief guest.
Moulvibazar
A discussion, cultural programme, and rally will be held at Shilpakala Academy at 10am.
Cox’s Bazar
A rally and protest march will be held at the Shaheed Minar at 11am.
North Bengal
The National Adivasi Council, Sahebganj-Bagdafarm Land Recovery Movement Committee, and Kapeng Foundation have announced three days of events across Rajshahi, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Naogaon, including rallies and assemblies in Rangpur & Rajshahi divisions on August 9, protest rally at Sahebganj-Bagdafarm, Gaibandha on August 12, and rally and discussion at Naogaon’s Pyarimohan Public Library on August 14.
Background
The UN General Assembly declared August 9 as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on December 23, 1994, recognising indigenous struggles and rights globally.