Call to protect constitutional rights of indigenous
Friday, 10 August 2007
Speakers at a discussion in the city Thursday urged the concerned authorities to protect the constitutional rights of indigenous people for the overall development of the country, reports BSS.
Coalition of local NGOs, Bangladesh (CLNB) organised the discussion in observance of the World Indigenous Day in the VIP lounge of the National Press Club.
With Sherpur Adibasi Samaj Unnayan Sangstha President Monindra Biswas in the chair, former army chief and lawmaker M Mahbubur Rahman addressed the occasion as the chief guest.
The discussion was also addressed, among others by Syed Mohammad Ibrahim, Bir Protik, senior advocate of Supreme Court Afzal Hossain, CLNB Chairman Harun- or-Rashid, industrialist Sheikh Mohammad Minal, women leader Nargis Jahan Banu, labour leader Mahasinul Kabir, journalist Atiqur Rahman, Bazlur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam and Adibasi youth leader Hridoy Barman.
Mahbubur Rahman said the nation will remember forever the contribution of tribal people particularly the Hajong, Sautal and Garo to the independence movement during the British rule and the liberation war in 1971.
He alleged that in developed countries like USA and Australia beasts and animals are being provided with adequate protection but the indigenous people are being driven out from their ancestral habitats in many of those countries.
Syed Mohammad Ibrahim said flattering statements on the indigenous people are always being made on different occasions, but nobody bothers about their habitats and livelihood.
But, at present the government and NGOs are working for the welfare of the tribal people, he said.
Coalition of local NGOs, Bangladesh (CLNB) organised the discussion in observance of the World Indigenous Day in the VIP lounge of the National Press Club.
With Sherpur Adibasi Samaj Unnayan Sangstha President Monindra Biswas in the chair, former army chief and lawmaker M Mahbubur Rahman addressed the occasion as the chief guest.
The discussion was also addressed, among others by Syed Mohammad Ibrahim, Bir Protik, senior advocate of Supreme Court Afzal Hossain, CLNB Chairman Harun- or-Rashid, industrialist Sheikh Mohammad Minal, women leader Nargis Jahan Banu, labour leader Mahasinul Kabir, journalist Atiqur Rahman, Bazlur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam and Adibasi youth leader Hridoy Barman.
Mahbubur Rahman said the nation will remember forever the contribution of tribal people particularly the Hajong, Sautal and Garo to the independence movement during the British rule and the liberation war in 1971.
He alleged that in developed countries like USA and Australia beasts and animals are being provided with adequate protection but the indigenous people are being driven out from their ancestral habitats in many of those countries.
Syed Mohammad Ibrahim said flattering statements on the indigenous people are always being made on different occasions, but nobody bothers about their habitats and livelihood.
But, at present the government and NGOs are working for the welfare of the tribal people, he said.