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Removal of “Adivasi” Sparks Outcry Over Marginalized Communities’ Identity in Bangladesh

The updated online version of the textbook, now available on the NCTB website, features a new graffiti design titled “Bolo Bir, Chiro Unnoto Momo Shir”, replacing the earlier image of a graffiti with the word “Adivasi” (indigenous). Photo: Collected

Minority Watch, Dhaka – The removal of the term adivasi (indigenous) from ninth and tenth-grade Bengali grammar textbooks has ignited protests from ethnic minority groups, student organizations, and human rights activists across Bangladesh.

The controversy stems from an image previously featured on the back cover of the textbook, depicting a tree with five leaves symbolizing the country’s religious and ethnic diversity—Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and adivasi. The image carried the inscription “It is forbidden to pluck the leaves,” symbolizing unity. However, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) removed the image on January 12 following pressure from a Islamist group, Students for Sovereignty.

The group argued that recognizing adivasis as indigenous legitimizes a “separatist agenda” aimed at establishing a separate state, Jummaland, by detaching the Chittagong Hill Tracts from Bangladesh.

“Only separatists and their allies inside and outside Bangladesh propagate this demand to justify the creation of a separate state, Jummaland,” said Ziaul Haque Zia, the group’s coordinator. He urged the government to investigate individuals promoting the term, accusing them of undermining national unity.

“The term does not appear in the constitution, which refers to these groups as small ethnic communities. Recognizing them as adivasis would be inappropriate,” he added.

Indigenous Communities Push Back

The removal of adivasi from textbooks has sparked a broader debate on inclusivity, national identity, and the recognition of marginalized communities in Bangladesh.

Indigenous groups and their allies have strongly opposed the decision, accusing the government of erasing their identity and undermining their cultural heritage. The Chattogram Hill Students’ Council (PCP) and the Hill Women’s Federation are leading the protests, demanding the reinstatement of adivasi in textbooks and greater representation of indigenous history.

“This move goes against Yunus’ vision of a non-sectarian, inclusive Bangladesh,” said Anvesh Chakma of the PCP, referencing Acting Government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, who had previously recognized these communities as adivasis. He criticized the government for contradicting its promise to foster a multi-ethnic, discrimination-free society.

The National Indigenous Peoples’ Council echoed this sentiment. Secretary General Bibhuti Bhushan Mahato called the removal a betrayal of earlier commitments, emphasizing the term’s cultural and historical importance. “Yunus had raised hopes of constitutional recognition for these communities by using the term adivasi. Removing it disrespects that vision and the people it represents,” he said.

Murals have transformed the walls and streets around Dhaka University, protesting the removal of the term ‘adivasi’—a collective reference to several ethnic minority groups—from ninth and tenth grade textbooks. Vibrant artwork appeared overnight from Monday to Tuesday, near key landmarks such as the Central Shaheed Minar, Jagannath Hall, and Rokeya Hall, as a powerful statement against the term’s exclusion from educational content.

Artistic Protests at Dhaka University

Protests have spilled into public spaces, with students creating vibrant murals near Dhaka University’s Central Shaheed Minar and Jagannath Hall. The artwork, prominently featuring the word adivasi, symbolizes resistance against what protesters view as an attack on diversity and inclusion.

“We are protesting the extremism displayed by Students for Sovereignty,” said Rupaiya Shreshtha Tanchangya of the Students’ Movement Against Discrimination. “This isn’t just the removal of a term; it’s an attempt to erase the existence of indigenous communities from our nation’s history.”

Another protester, Shantimoy Chakma, underscored the symbolic importance of the artwork and declared that the movement would persist until their demands were met. “Our next step is to surround the NCTB building on January 15. This fight is about preserving the identity of over 50 indigenous communities and upholding the true pluralism of Bangladesh,” he said.

Broader Implications of Erasure

Critics argue that the removal of adivasi reflects a systemic unwillingness to address the marginalization of indigenous groups. Journalist Md Abbas, writing in The Daily Star, noted that the graffiti in the textbooks symbolized anti-discrimination efforts and the broader struggle for equality. He criticized the government for yielding to extremist demands, warning that such actions tarnish the nation’s image as progressive and inclusive.

Pulack Ghatack, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Law Reform Council, in a Facebook post emphasized the societal and ethical costs of the decision. “The refusal to recognize adivasis perpetuates cycles of marginalization, denies access to rights, and undermines our cultural diversity,” he said. “This erasure fosters division and contradicts our international commitments to human rights.”

Call for Recognition

Indigenous rights activists have renewed calls for concrete action, including constitutional recognition and the inclusion of their history and culture in education. Protesters argue that recognition is not merely about semantics but about addressing historical injustices and embracing the diversity integral to Bangladesh’s identity.

“Our demand is simple: restore the term adivasi in textbooks and grant us the recognition we deserve,” said activist Liton Tripura. “This country belongs to all communities, all religions, and all ethnicities. By removing adivasi, the government is failing to live up to the promise of equality and inclusion.”

The protests show no signs of waning, with activists preparing for further demonstrations to ensure indigenous voices are heard and their heritage preserved.

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