Foreign Minister and Indigenous Leaders meet

Jummaland, November 2009 (UJI): Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mrs. Dipu Moni and the Indigenous leaders met at the launching ceremony of a book titled “The ILO Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Populations 1957 and The Laws of Bangladesh: A Comparative Review” written by Chakma Raja Devasish Roy.

Mrs. Dipu Moni was Chief Guest and she has called upon all to work together to resolve the problems of indigenous people. There are some anomalies in the laws for indigenous people of plain lands and hill areas. The problems should be removed through discussions only. She said.

Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma) Chairman of the CHT Regional Council was the Chairman in the ceremony and he said the Government has taken some initiatives for the development of the indigenous people but it should take more steps.

The Government of Bangladesh is committed to implement the CHT accord, said Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister for CHT Affairs.

Attorney General Mr. Mahbubey Alam, and ILO's Country Director Panudda Boonpala also spoke on the occasion. The speakers of the ceremony urged the Government of Bangladesh to ratify the ILO Convention No 169 which was adopted in 1989.