MN Larma's dream of a secular country unrealised
Manabendra Narayan Larma was not just a leader of the indigenous people but also a national and revolutionary leader who dreamt of a secular Bangladesh and fought to establish it, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum organised the programme at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka, marking his 79th birth anniversary.
MN Larma was born on September 15, 1939. He was assassinated on November 10, 1983.
During his lifetime, MN Larma fought for establishing rights of indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts, said speakers. With that in mind, he formed the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS).
The historic CHT Peace Accord signed between the government and PCJSS in 1997 was also an outcome of his struggle, they said.
Speaking at the programme, noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud said, “Throughout his [Larma] life, he wanted to establish a society free from disparity and oppression.”
He believed in nationalism that recognises ethnic minorities along with Bengalis, Abul Maksud said, adding that his honesty and humanitarian qualities are nowadays rare among politicians.
Oikya Nap President Pankaj Bhattacharya said, “MN Larma was a leader of all deprived people. He deserved to be honoured as a national leader.”
He termed MN Larma a “leader of democracy” and said he wanted constitutional recognition of ethnic minority communities. Pankaj also said the hill tracts are facing numerous problems such as killing, abduction and rape. Full implementation of the CHT Accord can solve the problems, he added.
Journalist Sohrab Hasan said, “There's still conflict going on in CHT and different factions of the indigenous groups are fighting among each other,” he said, adding that a united voice is needed to raise the demand for implementing the accord.
Rangamati lawmaker Ushatan Talukder, also vice president of PCJSS, said, “Larma used to talk boldly for the deprived including ethnic minorities as well as farmers and labourers.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum President Sanjeeb Drong said, “Youths should work together for protecting the rights of their communities, which was the ideology of MN Larma.”
DU teacher Dr Khairul Chowdhury and executive committee member of ALRD Shamsul Huda also spoke.
CHT REMEMBERS MN LARMA
The birth anniversary of MN Larma was observed in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari yesterday. In Rangamati, PCJSS and MN Larma Memorial Foundation organised a programme at Shilpakala Academy.
Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, chief of PCJSS, said, “MN Larma dreamt of and fought for establishing a discrimination-free society, but his dream has not yet materialised.” Santu Larma, also brother of MN Larma, urged the youths to work towards making the dream a reality.
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