Minority Watch, Dhaka—
The Samatal Adivasi Odhikar Andolan (Rights Movement for Indigenous People of the Plain Lands) has urged the Local Government Reform Commission to reserve seats for indigenous communities in local government bodies across tribal-dominated areas. This demand was made during a consultation meeting held on Sunday (January 26, 2025) at the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) in Agargaon, Dhaka, as per a press release issued by the organization.
The group proposed establishing separate positions at the district, sub-district (upazila), and union council levels exclusively for indigenous candidates from these areas. Additionally, they called for the formation of standing committees on indigenous affairs to oversee land, water bodies, forests, and other natural resources in these regions.
Ripon Banai, member secretary of the organization, explained the rationale for these recommendations, saying, “In tribal-dominated councils, one additional seat should be reserved for indigenous candidates, ensuring their participation in local governance. We also discussed measures to safeguard their security during elections.”
Banai further emphasized the importance of tailored governance structures, noting, “We have recommended the creation of dedicated committees at all tiers of local government to manage resources and address indigenous issues.”
Recognition of Traditional Systems
The organization highlighted the need to officially recognize and empower traditional social and land management systems of plains indigenous groups, similar to the established practices in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Specific institutions such as the Garo community’s Nokma system, the Hajong community’s Gaobura, and the Santal community’s Manjhi, Paragana, and Panchayet systems were mentioned in their proposals.
Demands for a Separate Ministry
Ujjal Azim, convener of the movement, pointed out that more than four million people belonging to over 50 indigenous ethnic groups live in Bangladesh, with 39 of these groups residing in the plains. “Despite five decades of independence, the state has failed to establish an institutional framework to improve the rights and living standards of plains indigenous peoples,” he stated.
Azim proposed forming a dedicated ministry and a land commission akin to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs to address the longstanding discrimination faced by these communities. He remarked, “Plains indigenous peoples have endured social, cultural, economic, and political marginalization for generations. We believe state reforms can end this cycle of deprivation, and the Local Government Reform Commission has a crucial role to play in this process.”
Meeting Details
The consultation meeting was chaired by the commission’s chairman, Professor Tofail Ahmed, with commission members Abdur Rahman, Elira Dewan, and Mashhuda Khatun Shefali in attendance. Representatives from the movement included Helena Talang, Alik Mrong, Tony Chiran, Antony Rema, Bibhuti Bhushan Mahato, Oli Kujur, Tumpa Hajong, and advisory council member Rajkumar Shaw.
The proposals also included demands for budget allocations, financial allowances for traditional institutions, and recognition of indigenous management systems within the legal framework of local governance.