New law to protect indigenous people likely, says minister

Law Minister Shafique Ahmed yesterday said the government might enact a separate law to remove any discrimination against indigenous people, if they recommend, although the country's constitution has guaranteed their rights.
"The government is sincere protecting the rights of people of all areas of the country, including of the indigenous," the minister said, adding that the government has already made a separate law to protect their culture.
He said this while addressing as chief guest at a meeting on the occasion of Second Indigenous People Network Forum.
Bangladesh Adivashi Forum organised the meeting in association with Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Sonargaon Hotel.
National Human Rights Commission Chairman Prof Mizanur Rahman urged the government to sign International Labour Organisation Convention 169 to ensure the indigenous people's rights to their lands.