Celebration of International Day of the World’s Indigenous people

A discussion session was organized by Human Rights Defenders Network (HRD) Sylhet on August 9 on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Human Rights Defenders (HRD) network is a platform of human rights activists formed by the inspiration of ECDO, involving various professionals and well-known local civil society members including Lawyers, Academicians, Journalists, NGO activists, etc., working to establish human rights in the society. However, the session was presided over by Mr.Faruque Mahmud Chowdhury, the president of Human Rights Defenders Network, and Professor Anwara Begum, former Head of the Department of Public Administration, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and Former President of Sylhet District Lawyer Association, Advocate Emad Ullah Shahidul Islam, attended as chief discussants of the program. The program was started by the inaugural speech of Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO and Member Secretary of the Human Rights Defenders Network, Sylhet. Based on the theme of this year’s International Day of the World Indigenous People-Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination, initially, the chief discussant, professor Anwara Begum, told the audience that to promote the notion of self-determination within indigenous communities, collective efforts must be made to educate young people. Addressing concerns about land rights is an essential factor in navigating the road to indigenous self- determination. It is crucial to educate indigenous youth about their land rights because it empowers them to safeguard their cultural heritage and assert their right to self-determination. Furthermore, the issue of health access demands particular consideration. Conferences organized by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or civil society organizations will play a crucial role in encouraging indigenous youth to establish their rights in their society. The government should allocate dedicated funds and establish special initiatives to ensure the education of indigenous youth. Creating a society that promotes equity for all individuals requires a collaborative effort. The creation of internal networks is an essential component of achieving unity among ethnic communities in Bangladesh. These networks will promote cross-cultural contacts, knowledge sharing, and ultimately a sense of unity. Advocate Emad Ullah Shahidul Islam started his speech by articulating several aspects of the term indigenous, revealing the distinct features through which these exceptional communities are defined. He emphasized the significance of customary ownership of land for indigenous people and its legalization in Bangladesh. Furthermore, he strongly advocated for these communities rightful recognition as indigenous peoples, as their identity is anchored in a centuries-old connection with their ancestral lands. Based on the theme of this year International Day of World Indigenous People, the participant has discussed different related issues related to Indigenous peoples and their rights. Adovacate Irfanuzzaman Chowdhury also asserted the importance and necessity of indigenous people’s rights. Nikson Lamarai, a member of the Khasia Students Union (KSU), Nabila Nahian, a student at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and Shipa Orao all expressed their opinions on this topic. At the end of the session, ECDO and Human Rights Defenders Network Sylhet gave a reception to Professor Tahmina Islam, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), on her recent completion of Ph.D from University of Malaya, Malaysia. Finally, Mr. Faruque Mahmud Chowdhury announced the end of the program by expressing gratitude to all participants for their cheerful presence.