Daily Star, 12 August 2002
Opinion
Babul Rabidas
The United Nations (UN) declared the year 1993 as International Year of the
World's Indigenous Peoples. This was an important milestone towards recognition
of rights of the indigenous peoples in the world. Then the UN declaration of
International Decade of Indigenous Peoples was another auspicious move towards
making all of us aware of the various issues affecting the indigenous peoples.
Now many countries observe the International Day of Indigenous Peoples on August
9. This year last Friday was that occasion to assess and assert the rights of
indigenous (Adibashi) communities also in Bangladesh. Some Adibashi organisations
and advocacy groups observe the day on own initiatives. Some NGOs adopt special
programmes to uphold the issues following the theme for the Day.
A couple of years back, on the occasion Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, had expressed his hope that historical step would be taken to establish a forum by the year 2002. The established forum would ensure the rights and meet the needs of indigenous peoples.
There are different opinions about the number of Adibashi communities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics has identified 29 tribal groups while Fr. Peter
Rema has mentioned of 33 Adibashi communities. A proper research is needed to
decide the number and identify the Adibashi communities. This will be helpful
for planning and administration of development programmes. The problem also
remains in giving the number of Adibashi people. The figures of government census
vary a lot compared to the head-count figures in some districts.
The Adibashi people live in different districts of Bangladesh. They are divided
into many groups and have their distinct pursuits languages, customs and traditions.
They are mainly dependent on agricultural. They had made many uncultivable lands
suitable for cultivation in earlier days. They are peace loving people. But
they had to abandon many of their cultivable lands and move to another area
when pushed out by non-Adibashi mainstream population. There were none to help
them for legalising and preserving land documents. This rendered many Adibashis
landless.
The Adibashi people are far behind in developing themselves following the trends
of modern approaches and technologies. Lack of education has caused many problems
among them. It's a cruel irony that many Adibashi people have become the victims
of cheating and deprivation for their simplicity, honesty and generosity.
It is appreciable that Bangladesh government is implementing some development
programmes through the Special Affairs Division while some NGOs are taking different
programmes for the development of Adibashis. However, the real development of
Adibashis depends more on themselves. They have to be more conscious to preserve
their rights and maintain their own identity. They have to be developed more
through their own efforts. They have to work unitedly to change their lot. Let
us promise once again to work together for our development and advancement following
the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
Babul Rabidas, an Advocate at Judge's Court, Joypurhat, is an Adibashi community
activist.