Bangladesh Adivashi Forum Report

Dhaka, May 16, 2009 (Daily Star): Bangladesh Adivashi Forum (BAF) working with indigenous people claimed that around 50,000 Adivashi people were forced to leave the country due to harassment and repression during the last decade.

The Adivashi Manobadhikar Report 2008 claimed that non-adivashi people were relocated to the hilly region under a political scheme of "population transfer" and they contributed to the harassment and repression of the indigenous people. The report said, "The army is trying to rehabilitate 10,000 non-adivashi people to Kasalong Reserve Forest in Mijoram border area."

Bangladesh Adivashi Forum published the report at a press conference yesterday at the Young Women's Christian Association auditorium. "The adivashi people have become the minorities in the hilly areas," said journalist Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul at the conference.

Besides, many of them migrated to other places in the country losing their land since the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Land Commission could not begin its activities. "Bangalee people have their roots in adivashi people," said Prof Mejbah Kamal of Dhaka University.

Bangladesh Adivashi Forum also made a seven-point demand. They are:
1. Constitutional recognition of the indigenous people;
2. Ensuring adivashi people's right to their land;
3. Full implementation of the CHT peace accord;
4. Ensuring adivashi representation in every development project;
5. Increase the quota for adivashi people in educational institutions and during employment;
6. Exemplary punishment for human rights violators; and
7. Formulation of development plan for ultra-poor adivashi people.
The Bangladesh Adivashi Forum claims adivashi population in the country to be 30 lakh in 45 ethnic communities while the government estimate is only 18 lakh, the report read.

Shaktipada Tripura delivered the welcome speech at the conference while adivashi leader Sanjib Drong presented the keynote paper. Sayed Abul Maksud, Bibhash Chakraborty, and Mangal Kumar Chakma spoke at the programme.

The report also claimed that the indigenous people have experienced a silent famine and the region experienced a huge food shortage last year due to rat infestation.

Tripura tribal woman’s traditional weaving art
Agartala, May 23, 2009 (UJI): A tribal woman makes serious effort to revive the dying tribal art of loin loom weaving of ‘Chakma’ tribe in Tripura. Traditionally, all tribal communities in Tripura have been weaving their cloth for their ethnic attires. They also make sheets, thin towels, dress material, carpets and carrying bags.
Realizing that the traditional art is being forgotten, Smriti Rekha Chakma, a tribal woman of Tripura is doing her best to bring the art to limelight again. She had learned the art of making Chakma dress from her grandmother. She had set up a small training centre in the backyard of her home to teach others the indigenous method of making cloth using loin loom.
“I found that gradually the art of indigenous Chakma way of dress making is getting lost so I took the initiative to preserve it. I am giving training to those who are interested in learning the ethnic way of making our dress like….,khadi . And for this I was selected for the National Award for Excellence in Shawl weaving,” said Smriti Rekha. Loin loom weaving among Chakma is called ‘Bein’ and weaving practice is known as ‘Bon-kada’.
Smriti Rekha wants to spread the rich heritage of ethnic Chakma textiles among the new generation. Today women of all age groups are coming to her centre to learn the art. Not only youth but even aged women who could not learn the art earlier due to lack of a trainer and training centre come to the centre.
“When I came to know about this training centre I contacted them and joined here. Now I am learning and am hopeful that after completion I shall be able to earn enough to be financially stable,” said Rani Chakma, a Trainee.
Today her woven cloth is in great demand and particularly during the festive and marriage season the price goes up. Smiriti’s effort is not only to save the ethnic art but also to give employment to many.

Chakmas face discrimination in Mizoram

Aizawl, June 1, 2009 (ACHR): According to the ACHR report, the state government has failed to provide Chakmas access to basic health care facilities. Most villages had no health care facilities at all and the poor villagers lived at the mercy of Badya (traditional herbal doctors), Deaths of children were often not recorded. This was stated in a press release.

A regional human rights watchdog, the Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report “2009 India Human Rights Report,” released in New Delhi on Friday, accused Mizoram of practicing ‘systematic discrimination’ against minorities.

The ACHR stated that minorities were denied employment, basic health care, education and right to development.

The state government has failed to “address systematic discrimination against minorities – ethnic, linguistic and religious,” the report added.

The ACHR alleged that Chakma minorities who live outside the Chakma Autonomous District Council have to face “more discrimination and neglect.” Majority Chakmas live on the border with Bangladesh and the Central funds for the development of the border areas under the Border Area Development Programme have been misused.

The report claimed the Ministry of Home Affairs released Rs 1,556 lakh during 2004-05, Rs 903.48 lakh during 2005-06, Rs 2,262 lakh during 2006-07 and Rs 2,086 lakh during 2007-08, to Mizoram under BADP.

But the ACHR team during its visit to the border areas “found very limited evidence of development activities.”

Eighth Session of UN Permanent Forum Begins
New York, May 20, 2009 (Daily Star): The eighth session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues began in New York on Monday with a call to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

More than 2,000 indigenous representatives from across the world as well as state representatives, civil society members, academicians and representatives from inter-governmental organizations are taking part in the two-week session.

In the opening session, UN General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann said the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples should be implemented to address the endless discrimination and violations of human rights of indigenous peoples around the world.

Indigenous peoples face marginalisation, extreme poverty, hunger, threats and negative impact of mainstream development, he added. Rachel Mayanja, assistant secretary-general of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said, "It is through continuous commitment and international cooperation that we will achieve the goal of the Second Decade, namely progress on indigenous issues in the areas of human rights, economic and social development, environment, education, health and culture." "Let us work towards this goal in partnership with the indigenous peoples of the world," she added.

Victoria Tauly-Corpuz, chairperson of the session, said, "The biggest challenge is how to get the Declaration implemented by States, UN bodies and by indigenous peoples themselves and by society at large."
She said that indigenous women's rights should be protected under Article 22, which states, "Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in the implementation of this Declaration. States shall take measures, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination."

The theme of the session is Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Women, Second Decade and the Arctic Region.

From Bangladesh, Raja Devasish Roy, Father Joseph Gomes, OMI, Goutam Kumar Chakma and Rabindranath Soren are attending the session.

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2000, with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues within the mandate of the ECOSOC relating to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

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.

Protests against harassment of Buddhist Monks

Khagrachari, May 24, 2009 (chtnews.com): In Lakshmichari of Khagrachari district, more than 200 Buddhist followers staged demonstration today and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the UNO. The memo was received by Md. Salimullah, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Lakshmichari.

Mr. Sunity Bikash Chakma, Chairman of Laxmichari UP, Mr. Rajendra Chakma and Mr. Karunamoy Chakma led the demonstration and submitted the memo on behalf of the participants.

They demanded punishment to Captain Shamim for being responsible for the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero and other Buddhist monks on May 21, an end to harassment of Jummas including monks at check posts, and withdrawal of all military and paramilitary check posts in the CHT.

Rangamati: In Rangamati town, about 500 people participated in a protest rally today. Held at Shilpakala Academy, the rally was addressed by Saranga Dhanu Chakma alias Shankar, a retired member of Bangladesh Air Force and also President of Banduk Bhanga Bana Vihar; Subhash Chakma, member, Jurachari Bana Vihar; Biswajit Barua, member, Naniachar Bana Vihar; Rahul Chakma, member, Banduk Bhanga Union; Ramani Ranjan Chakma, Chairman in charge of Naniachar; and Sadananda Chakma, a lay follower.

After the rally, the participants marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner in a procession and handed him a memorandum.


Chittagong: On Friday, 22 May, Buddhist followers organized a rally in front of press club in protest at the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero. The rally was addressed among others by Dr. Jina Bodhi Bhikkhu, professor of Chittagong University, Rinku Chakma, Central committee member of Democratic Youth Forum, Dhiman Chakma, from Bandarban area and Shyamol Chakma, a youth leader in the City.

Press club Chairman Abu Sufian also addressed the rally expressing solidarity with the demands of the Protestants. The rally was followed by a procession which ended at Dosth Building Square, near New Market.

Khagrachari: In Khagrachari, an 11-member committee was formed yesterday to organize a rally in protest against the harassment of Buddhist monks. Renowned educationist Ananta Bihari Khisha is heading the committee. It will organize a protest rally tomorrow, one of the committee members told chtnews.com.

Mr. Bhumitra Chakma receive higher Scholarship

Washington, June 2, 2009 (WWIC): Lee H. Hamilton, President and Director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center (WWIC), today announced the members of the 2009-2010 fellowship class. The 24 fellows, most of who will arrive in September 2009 to spend an academic year in residence at the Center, include scholars and practitioners from the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Israel, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

Bhumitra Chakma, Lecturer in War and Security Studies, the University of Hull, United Kingdom. "South Asia's Three Dimensional Nuclear Deterrence: Examining the US Factor"

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, established by Congress in 1968 and Headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the living national memorial to President Wilson. The Center establishes and maintains a neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialogue. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds and engaged in the study of national and world affairs.

Two District Councils reconstituted

Rangamati, May 25, 2009 (UJI): The government has reconstituted the Rangamati and Bandarban Hill District Councils. The government, however, did not bring any change to the Khagrachari Hill District Council as a case is pending with the High Court in this connection. The CHT affairs ministry yesterday in separate fax messages dismissed the previous interim councils formed during the past caretaker government.

A five-member council was formed with district AL leader Nikhil Kumar Chakma as the Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council. Four other members of the Council are Aungsui Prue Chowdhury, Shamima Rashid, Brishaketu Chakma and Avilash Tangchangya.

In Bandarban, Ka Shoilah Marma was made the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council. He was also the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council in 1996-2001. The members of the council are Kazi Mujibur Rahman, Prasna Kanti Tangchangya, Kew Sa Prue and Aung Prue Murang.

The previous interim Councils were recast on July 15 in 2007.

Chakmas New Year “Bizu” festival

Agartala, April 14, 2009 (UJI): The Chakma tribal community of Tripura state of India, observed the Chakma National Festival “Bizu” in the capital city of Agartala, Tripura. It is the most important socio-religious festival of the Chakma Nation in the world.

They organized three-day festival is signified by the Bizu dance, which welcomes the New Year. We are organizing this festival to keep alive the Bizu-centric Chakma rituals and customs, said Niranjan Chakma, an organizer.

The Bizu lasts for three days. The first day is known as “Pool Bizu”. On this day, household items, clothes are cleaned and washed, food items are collected to give the house a now look with the veil of different flowers.

The second day known as “Mull Bizu” starts with the bath in the river. People wear new clothes and make rounds of the village. They also enjoy specially made vegetable curry, different homemade sweets and take part in different traditional sports. The day ends with the Bizu dance.

The last day, which is known as “Gojya-Pojya Din” involves the performances of different socio-religious activities. The Chakmas welcome the New Year with tradition.