The New Nation - Internet Edition

Ensure human rights

and protect the cultures of the

indigenous communities of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is predominantly a 'single culture' land with more than 95 percent people speaking one language and about 90 percent practicing a single religion. Bangladesh's indigenous population is just over 1 percent of the total population (1981 census).

Its indigenous inhabitants, residing mainly in areas which are basically hilly and mountainous, belong to different ethnic groups who have distinct lifestyles different from the majority of the population. They possess different languages and different cultural heritage that have evolved over hundreds of years.

Indigenous people, popularly known as 'Adivashis', are very much marginalized people in Bangladesh. In political and economic terms they represent the weaker section of the population and face greater odds in everyday life, with denial of their uniqueness under the constant onslaught of the dominant class and culture.

In the hilly tribal areas of Bangladesh, one can find twelve different indigenous communities such as Bon, Chakma, Khaiyang, Komi, Kuki, Lusai, Mogh, Mro, Panko, Reang, Tanchangia and Tippra. In the plain land also there are different indigenous populations like the Santhals, Rakhains, Oraoos, Mahalis, Mahatis, Hajongs, Garos, Mandis, Munda, Buno, Kurmi, Malpahari, Rajbangshi, Malo, Bagdi etc. Tribal groups in other parts of the country include Santals in Rajshahi and Dinajpur, and Khasis, Garos, and Khajons in Mymensingh and Sylhet regions.

Photo & Text: Muniruz Zaman / DrikNEWS

Text Edited by: Humaira Jalil / DrikNEWS