Inclusion of rights issues in polls manifestos demanded

The culture, tradition and rights of the indigenous communities have to be preserved, they demanded at a press conference in Mymensingh yesterday.

They also sought inclusion of their issues in the political parties’ election manifestos ahead of the upcoming parliament elections.

To place an 11-point demand, United Council of Indigenous Organisations of Greater Mymensingh (UCGM) organised the press conference at Mymensingh Press Club auditorium.

The demands include their recognition as “Adivasi” in the constitution; five percent reserved seats in parliament; separate ministry for plain land indigenous people and a minister from them; a separate land commission for indigenous people; five percent quota in education and government jobs; representation in the local government bodies; quick disposal of cases filed against them; representation in the women reserved seats in parliament; and enacting laws and rules based on the ILO Convention No 107 and its implementation.

UCGM Secretary General Aranya E Chiran read out the written statement at the press conference.

Representatives of Garo, Koch, Banai, Dalu and Hajong communities from Mymensingh, Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Netrakona and Sunamganj were present on the occasion.