Demanding steps to protect the rights of indigenous women, they also criticised the previous governments for not observing the International Indigenous People's Day at the national level and not giving constitutional recognition to the indigenous people.

Since the United Nations has been observing the day for the last 13 years, Bangladesh, being its member state, could not neglect any international issues, they added.

Sampriti Mancha organised the seminar titled 'Rights of indigenous and minority women' at the National Press Club ahead of the International Indigenous People's Day to be observed on August 9.

Chaitali Tripura presented the keynote paper at the seminar presided over by Prof Ajoy Roy of Dhaka University.

"Indigenous women are severely affected by the acquisition of lands. The displaced women usually move to urban areas where they are also exploited in various ways," said Prof Sadeka Halim.

The speakers said the land allocation system should be gender sensitive.

They also called for inclusion of indigenous women issues in the Women Development Policy.

President of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples' Forum Sanjeeb Drong said some reserved seats for women in parliament should be set aside for indigenous women.

Farida Akhter of Ubinig, Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, Rokeya Kabir of Nari Pragati Sangha, Dr Ishani Chakrabarti and Gobinda Mondol of Dhaka University also spoke at the seminar moderated by Associate Prof Robayet Ferdous.