No recognition of ethnic communities in text book
Dhaka, May 10, 2009 (New Nation): Adivasis had played their part in a dozen of historic movements of the country, but there is no recognition of their contributions in text books simply because of reluctance of the National Curriculum and Text-book Board (NCTB). A review of the text books shows that Adivasis or indigenous people-Santal, Mong, Chakma, Garo, Munda and Hajong-had played their due role in all movements from the anti-British movement to the War of Independence in 1971, but the NCTB has failed to recognize their contributions.
According to experts, Chakma rebellion between 1776-1787, Khasi revolt in 1788, Santal Revolt in 1763 in Dhaka, during 1763-64 in Rajshahi, during 1770-71 in Rangpur and surrounding areas, in 1773 in Mymensingh, Sylhet in 1787-9987, Khasi revolt in 1788, Garo revolt in 1848-66, Lushais revolt between 1849-78, Santal Hool rebellion from 1855-1857, Kherwary movement in 1870, Munda Rebellion between 1899-1900 and Nachole Uprising in 1949-50 and the liberation war are among the movements they either took part or organized themselves. But there is no article on these movements in textbooks, not even in those published for the 2009 academic session, recognizing their role. "This is really unfortunate that there is no article in textbooks on the contributions of Adivasis. Their contributions should be appreciated for a greater national unity," Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University's History department said.
Prof Aktaruzzaman, convener of national experts committee on resolving problems in textbooks and teacher of Dhaka University's Islamic History and Culture department, said the government should take steps to recognize the contributions of indigenous people to different movements for the benefit of the posterity. Rambhojon Koiri, general secretary of Bangladesh Tea Workers' Union and an Adivasi leader, said they feel dejected when they see their contributions are ignored.
"We had shed blood in movements against British rulers and Pakistani occupation forces, but there is no recognition," he said, expecting that the new government would take effective steps to recognize their contributions.
When contacted, novelist Selina Hossain, also member of NCTB's committee on inserting true history of the liberation war, said they are unlikely to be able to include the contributions of Adivasis in textbooks for 2010 simply for lack of time.
"But", she said, "We must include the glorious historical contributions of Adivasis communities in the textbooks. We'll bring massive changes in the textbooks with such histories in 2011." NCTB senior education specialist Ziaul Hasan said they formed a three-member committee, led by Adivasis human rights activist Sanjeeb Drong, two years ago to resolve all these issues in the textbooks. "But, the committee didn't yet submit its complete report." He, however, said the NCTB would include the culture, tradition and history of Adivasis in the textbooks in 2011.
Dhaka, May 10, 2009 (New Nation): Adivasis had played their part in a dozen of historic movements of the country, but there is no recognition of their contributions in text books simply because of reluctance of the National Curriculum and Text-book Board (NCTB). A review of the text books shows that Adivasis or indigenous people-Santal, Mong, Chakma, Garo, Munda and Hajong-had played their due role in all movements from the anti-British movement to the War of Independence in 1971, but the NCTB has failed to recognize their contributions.
According to experts, Chakma rebellion between 1776-1787, Khasi revolt in 1788, Santal Revolt in 1763 in Dhaka, during 1763-64 in Rajshahi, during 1770-71 in Rangpur and surrounding areas, in 1773 in Mymensingh, Sylhet in 1787-9987, Khasi revolt in 1788, Garo revolt in 1848-66, Lushais revolt between 1849-78, Santal Hool rebellion from 1855-1857, Kherwary movement in 1870, Munda Rebellion between 1899-1900 and Nachole Uprising in 1949-50 and the liberation war are among the movements they either took part or organized themselves. But there is no article on these movements in textbooks, not even in those published for the 2009 academic session, recognizing their role. "This is really unfortunate that there is no article in textbooks on the contributions of Adivasis. Their contributions should be appreciated for a greater national unity," Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University's History department said.
Prof Aktaruzzaman, convener of national experts committee on resolving problems in textbooks and teacher of Dhaka University's Islamic History and Culture department, said the government should take steps to recognize the contributions of indigenous people to different movements for the benefit of the posterity. Rambhojon Koiri, general secretary of Bangladesh Tea Workers' Union and an Adivasi leader, said they feel dejected when they see their contributions are ignored.
"We had shed blood in movements against British rulers and Pakistani occupation forces, but there is no recognition," he said, expecting that the new government would take effective steps to recognize their contributions.
When contacted, novelist Selina Hossain, also member of NCTB's committee on inserting true history of the liberation war, said they are unlikely to be able to include the contributions of Adivasis in textbooks for 2010 simply for lack of time.
"But", she said, "We must include the glorious historical contributions of Adivasis communities in the textbooks. We'll bring massive changes in the textbooks with such histories in 2011." NCTB senior education specialist Ziaul Hasan said they formed a three-member committee, led by Adivasis human rights activist Sanjeeb Drong, two years ago to resolve all these issues in the textbooks. "But, the committee didn't yet submit its complete report." He, however, said the NCTB would include the culture, tradition and history of Adivasis in the textbooks in 2011.
posted by Ven. Pragya Jyoti at 5:16 AM
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