Where is inclusivity for the Indigenous people?
Is it a crime to seek recognition as Indigenous (Adibashi) people? Is the artwork or graffiti, which carries the word "Adibashi" along with "Hindu," "Muslim," "Buddhist," and "Christian" to represent unity and diversity, a conspiracy? Is the desire to live in harmony treason? If not, then how can the recent attack on the Indigenous youth who were peacefully demonstrating in Dhaka be justified? How can such an act contribute to saving the country's sovereignty or promoting tolerance and peace? Where is the inclusivity and diversity in the country that we talk about? We are shocked to see such an attack on the Indigenous people. This is nothing short of intimidation toward the Indigenous people, who have long been marginalised.
Here is a summary of what happened: the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) recently published the Bangla Grammar and Composition textbook for classes 9 and 10, which featured graffiti artwork inspired by the student-led anti-discrimination movement in July-August 2024. The artwork depicted five leaves, each symbolising a different identity: Adibashi, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian. This sparked a protest from a group named Students for Sovereignty, who staged a demonstration in front of the NCTB office in Dhaka, demanding the removal of the graffiti and any mention of the term "Adibashi," saying it was not in line with the constitution. Responding to the protest, the NCTB promptly removed the graffiti in question from the PDF version of the textbook on its website.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. This prompted a protest among the Indigenous youth who, under the banner Aggrieved Indigenous Students-Masses gathered in front of the NCTB office on January 15 to protest the graffiti's removal and to demand its reinstatement. This led to a brutal attack on the unarmed protesters, leaving at least 20 people including journalists seriously injured. The attackers used cricket stumps, indicating that the violence was premeditated and was probably supported by a powerful faction. Following this attack, Indigenous youth and their supporters, under the banner Aggrieved Students-Masses, launched a protest march from the Dhaka University campus towards the home ministry on January 16. But police intercepted the march with barricades, using water cannons and charging batons to disperse the protesters, injuring seven more.
According to the Indigenous student leaders, such open attacks in Dhaka are unheard of. Some leaders even said such violence against Indigenous individuals, in broad daylight in the capital city, might be the first of its kind. This alarming development highlights a troubling shift in the treatment of marginalised communities in Bangladesh. Adding to the distress, reports emerged of Indigenous student leaders being followed by unidentified individuals while returning home after hospital visits. Such actions not only instil fear but also create a sense of insecurity and alienation. This appalling state of affairs also reflects a failure to ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens, including those from the Indigenous communities, and raises serious concerns about the protection of human rights and social harmony in the country.
It is also deeply regrettable that, decades after the Liberation War, Indigenous people remain largely unrecognised, both in the constitution and by a significant segment of society. It is even more disheartening that, following the anti-discrimination movement that overthrew an authoritarian regime in August last year and gave us all hope for a better, discrimination-free Bangladesh, such an attack occurred in broad daylight, with law enforcement members standing by. Police should have been more responsible in handling the situation, especially since the programmes of both groups had been announced beforehand. Was it a lack of preparation or was there a lack of willingness to act? The NCTB cannot absolve itself of responsibility either. Removing an artwork that symbolises the country's diversity and inclusive spirit is a blatant affront to the anti-discrimination movement and an insult to the memory of those whose sacrifices paved the way for the vision of a better Bangladesh.
Attacks on the Indigenous communities have occurred frequently over the years. Let's recall a recent incident: in September last year, a Bangalee man was killed by a mob in Khagrachhari over an alleged theft. His wife filed charges against three Bangalees and other unidentified individuals, but none against any Indigenous individuals. Nevertheless, this led to clashes between Bangalees and Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) region, resulting in four Indigenous deaths, including 17-year-old Anik Chakma. Disinformation on social media targeting Indigenous people further exacerbated the situation. Let's not forget about Piren Snal, a Garo leader who was shot at an anti-eco-park procession in Madhupur in 2004. We can't forget Kalpana Chakma, a young Indigenous rights activist who was abducted at gunpoint in 1996 and never returned.
There is also a tendency to label the Indigenous people as "anti-state" or "separatists," with claims that external forces are attempting to separate the country. As a result, the land rights of Indigenous people are viewed not with compassion, but as a threat. This has led to Indigenous people being labelled by some as "enemies of the nation." Meanwhile, there are misguided attempts to create confusion about the Indigenous idenitity, despite the fact that the UN clearly outlines the term "Indigenous" based on several defining characteristics, including distinct self-identity, a historical connection to pre-colonial societies, a unique cultural identity, and a strong link to land and natural resources.
If such an appalling treatment persists, will the Indigenous people ever feel safe in this country? The way their rights are typically handled is not conducive to peaceful resolution. Tolerance and understanding are more crucial now than ever. Cultural exchanges and empathy towards the struggles of marginalised communities are essential. Going forward, the government must prioritise Indigenous rights and put an end to such tragic events.
The forces that attempt to demonise Indigenous people are often the same forces that fuel conspiracies to harm the country. Yielding to unjust, unfair demands is never the solution. If people have differing views and demands, they should present them to the authorities for discussion with stakeholders—this is the democratic way. Violence is never the answer.
The anti-discrimination movement, led by students and joined by the Indigenous people, was a beacon of hope for a better Bangladesh. During this movement, the word "Indigenous" was proudly displayed, with slogans like "Samatal theke pahar, ebar mukti shobar" (From the plains to the hills, freedom rings this time) resonating on the walls, symbolising unity and freedom for all. We hold on to that hope, believing in a future free from discrimination.
Mathews Chiran is a development practitioner from the Indigenous Mandi/Garo community.
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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