Demand for constitutional recognition of adivasi people reiterated
Columnist Abul Maksud speaks at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the city yesterday. On his right is Prof Mesbah Kamal and on his left is Jannat E Ferdousi.Photo: STAR
The 154th anniversary of historic Santal revolution will be observed on June 30 urging policymakers to ensure rights of adivasi people.
To mark the occasion, Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolan has drawn up a daylong colorful programme with a call for the implementation of its 16-point demand.
The demands include constitutional recognition of adivasi people, ensuring primary education in their mother language, their right to land, implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Treaty, census on adivasi population, trial of criminals involved in repressing adivasi people and compensation to the victims, cancellation of fake cases against adivasi people, and ensuring security to adivasi women.
The programme was announced by General Secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolan Prof Mesbah Kamal at a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium yesterday.
Kamal Lohani, columnist Abul Maksud, and adivasi leader Sanjib Drong were present on the occasion.
The programme includes discussion, distribution of awarding among the artists, litterateurs and educationists, and cultural programme.
The programme will be held at the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh with the cooperation of SDC, ActionAid and Ashroy.
The Santal revolution started in 1855 against the British rule. It lasted for two years until the killing of its main leaders Sidhu and Kanu.
Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolan has been observing the day for last five years.
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