Dhaka, August 9 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum organized a day-long program at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2025. The event brought together diverse ethnic communities from the Chittagong Hill Tracts and other regions to celebrate their cultures and voices while highlighting their ongoing struggles.
Participants showcased traditional music, dance, crafts, and attire in a vibrant display of indigenous heritage. Discussions and speeches focused on issues such as land rights, constitutional recognition, preservation of indigenous languages, and equal access to education and healthcare.
Leaders from various indigenous groups expressed concern over encroachment on ancestral lands, environmental degradation, and the lack of proper implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. They urged the government to ensure legal protection for indigenous peoples and uphold their rights as recognized under international conventions, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed globally on August 9 each year, commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. This year’s theme emphasized "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination," highlighting the critical role of indigenous youth in promoting cultural preservation and social justice.
The event in Dhaka concluded with a cultural rally and a renewed call for inclusion, dignity, and justice for all indigenous communities across Bangladesh.
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