– Nicholas Biswas
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is marked each year on 9 August to support the rights of indigenous peoples and increase awareness about their different challenges. The day also recognizes the outstanding contributions of indigenous peoples to cultural diversity, traditional knowledge, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. The UN theme for 2026 is “Honoring the unique role of indigenous midwives in saving lives and promoting good health.” It aims to support the health of mothers and babies and keep traditional knowledge alive.
Current situation of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is known worldwide for its rich cultural heritage and social harmony. The country is a unique home to diverse ethnic and cultural identities. In addition to the majority Bengali population, it is home to more than 54 indigenous peoples, who speak at least 35 different languages. According to the 2022 census, the number of indigenous people in the country is about 1.65 million, which is about 1 percent of the total population. However, according to indigenous organizations, the actual number is closer to 4 million. Many indigenous groups, such as Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya, Tripura, Mro, Bam, Santal, Orao, Garo, Mahato, Pankhwa, Rakhine, Munda, and Manipuri, live in remote parts of the country. They have been living there for a long time, keeping their own language, culture, and traditions.
Our Constitution and Commitment to Equal Rights
The Constitution of Bangladesh provides a strong foundation for equality and justice. Article 27 of the Constitution guarantees the right of all citizens to equality before the law and equal protection of the law. Article 28 forbids discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or birthplace. It also acknowledges that women have equal rights in all areas of public life. However, the inclusion of the term ‘ethnicity’ or ‘indigenous peoples’ in the constitution may be important for further clarification.
Bangladesh agreed to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 107 in 1972. However, there are still big challenges in ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples. The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of 2011 acknowledged the country’s ethnic diversity, but it did not officially recognize indigenous peoples as ‘indigenous peoples’. While some cultural rights have been recognized, important issues such as land ownership, political participation, and economic rights have not yet been fully addressed. International monitoring groups, especially the ILO’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR), have often stressed the importance of creating a space where indigenous peoples can fully enjoy their basic rights.
Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls
Recent observations indicate that violence against indigenous women and girls remains a serious human rights crisis in Bangladesh. According to the Kapaeeng Foundation, a total of 29 incidents of violence against 32 indigenous women and girls were documented in 2025. These incidents included crimes such as rape, gang rape, attempted rape, murder, torture and sexual harassment. These incidents reflect the extremely vulnerable situation of indigenous women in different parts of the country. However, the actual number of incidents is believed to be much higher.
Many cases of violence against indigenous women and girls are not reported. This happens because of fear of revenge, social stigma, being far from help, limited access to legal aid and support, and a lack of trust in the police and courts. These barriers not only deprive victims of justice; they also perpetuate the cycle of violence, marginalization and discrimination. It is urgently needed to have stronger legal protections, quick and fair investigations, effective court processes, support systems focused on victims, and important changes in institutions. Otherwise, the situation of indigenous peoples will not be able to change.
Justice delayed means justice denied
“Justice delayed means justice denied” – this widely used saying is a cruel reflection in the context of Bangladesh. For countless survivors of violence, justice is not only slow, but in many cases it remains elusive. Delays in investigations, long court processes, failure to gather proper evidence, intimidation of victims and witnesses, and often a lack of accountability for offenders make it hard for people to get justice. As a result, distrust in the justice system is created and victims are discouraged from reporting. This further strengthens the culture of impunity.
A new opportunity for inclusive dialogue
Recently, representatives of the indigenous people of the plains met with the Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The delegation was led by Anna Minz, Member of Parliament for Reserved Women’s Seat 19. In the meeting with BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the representatives shared their demands and gave a recommendation letter to the Prime Minister. This initiative by the indigenous leaders has brought the issue of indigenous people to the forefront of the country’s national discussion.
Building an Inclusive Future
Bangladesh has successfully addressed many national crises through dialogue, tolerance and collective efforts. The same commitment is now needed so that indigenous people can also enjoy the full protection of the Constitution and equal opportunities like other citizens. The following steps deserve urgent consideration for their welfare:
- Resolving land disputes: The government must establish an effective legal system to resolve land-related disputes of indigenous peoples. At the same time, it is necessary to form a separate land commission for the indigenous people of the plains.
- Making justice stronger: We must provide special legal help, protection, quick investigations, and a fair court process to make sure indigenous women and girls can access justice.
- Inclusion in the education system: Sustainable institutional preservation and development of indigenous languages, culture and traditions must be ensured in the national education system.
- Enhancing institutional capacity: The National Human Rights Commission must be strengthened in such a way that it can conduct regular and independent monitoring of the human rights situation in indigenous-populated areas.
- Full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord: It is important to start a new helpful conversation among all involved parties to speed up the effective execution of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.
Development of democratic values through diversity
The indigenous people of Bangladesh are not outsiders to this country; rather, they are one of the partners in the formation of this state. Many indigenous people fought alongside their Bengali friends in the liberation war of 1971 and gave their lives for a free Bangladesh. Their contribution to the country should be properly valued not only through formal recognition, but also through policies that ensure their rights, dignity and equal citizenship.
The strength of Bangladesh has never depended on cultural uniformity. Rather, its real strength lies in the richness of diversity and in the collective desire to build a just, inclusive society. Protecting the language, culture, and lands of indigenous people is not just helping a small group. It is an important investment in Bangladesh’s democracy, fairness, and future.
Nicholas Biswas is a development worker and a writer who won an award from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for his media work.
