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Rights activists and indigenous leaders in Bangladesh are demanding full constitutional and legal recognition for indigenous peoples and the complete implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord. They argue that many fundamental rights remain unfulfilled nearly three decades after the accord was signed.

The calls were made during a program marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in Dhaka. The event, organized by the Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, focused on protecting indigenous life and traditional knowledge. Ushatan Talukder, Vice-President of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti and a former lawmaker, stated that indigenous peoples continue to face discrimination in constitutional recognition, land rights, language, culture, and identity. He emphasized that Bangladesh's diversity is a national strength, yet indigenous peoples, a vital part of this diversity, endure various crises.

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Bangladesh is a country of many languages, cultures and ethnic identities. This diversity is our national strength. Yet, indigenous peoples, an important part of this diversity, are still facing various crises and discrimination.

Activists urged the government to implement ILO Convention 107, ratified in 1972, and to ratify ILO Convention 169. They stressed that the government's pledge to create a 'Rainbow Nation' should be demonstrated through the full implementation of the CHT Accord and safeguarding indigenous peoples' rights. Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman specifically called for the Bangladesh Army to play a constructive role in resolving CHT issues. Rights activist Khushi Kabir underscored the necessity of constitutional recognition for preserving indigenous language, culture, and heritage, reminding the state of the indigenous peoples' inherent rights, identity, and dignity. Shaheen Anam of Manusher Jonno Foundation noted the government's failure to address land loss, cultural erosion, and development deficits faced by indigenous communities, urging action on land access, water, and justice. Sanjeeb Drong, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, stated that over four million indigenous people reside in Bangladesh.

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The state needs to be reminded repeatedly that indigenous peoples live in Bangladesh and that they too have their own rights, identity and dignity.