Observance of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day 2026
Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) observed International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 through a series of programmes in Sylhet, including a rally at Doldoli Tea Garden and a discussion and opinion exchange meeting with representatives of Indigenous and tea-garden communities and members of the media.
In the morning, ECDO organized a rally at Doldoli Tea Garden in collaboration with Cha Sramik Nari Mancha, a platform of women tea-garden workers. More than 100 participants from the tea-garden community joined the rally, raising awareness about the rights, dignity and well-being of Indigenous and tea-garden workers.Later in the day, ECDO organized a discussion and opinion exchange meeting with representatives of Indigenous and tea-garden communities and journalists from print and electronic media. The programme began with a welcome speech by Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO, who highlighted the importance of protecting the rights, dignity, cultural identity, land and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. The observance was held under this year’s theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”
Dipali Guala, UP member and representative of Tea-garden community attended the meeting, while Sumi Patro represented the Patro community. Representatives from the media included Ikramul Kabir, Sylhet Bureau chief of Somoy TV and former president of Sylhet press club, Prottosh Talukder Sylhet Bureau Chief of DBC News, Md. Muhibur Rahman of the Sylhet Press Club, and Debashish Debu of The Business Standard.
During the meeting, ECDO presented a 12-point recommendation to the Government of Bangladesh, focusing on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Peoples, customary land rights, decent working conditions for tea-garden workers, mother-tongue-based education, healthcare, social protection, women and children’s rights, digital inclusion and meaningful participation of Indigenous communities in development processes.The organization particularly emphasized the need for legal recognition of customary land rights of Indigenous communities in the Sylhet region, including Khasi, Patro and Oraon communities, as well as safe and dignified housing for tea-garden workers.
The discussion further highlighted the importance of mother-tongue-based education, improved healthcare services, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, skills development, digital inclusion and decent employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and tea-garden communities.
ECDO called for stronger cooperation among the government, civil society, development partners and the media to ensure the rights, dignity and sustainable development of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh. The programme concluded with a cultural segment featuring traditional performances by members of the Manipuri and tea-garden communities, celebrating their rich cultural heritage, traditions, music and identity.
