CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan said that the Adibasi, JanoJati or national minorities as you may call it must be given due recognition in the constitution of Bangladesh and all discrimination, killings, repression, exploitation and land grabbing should be stopped immediately. Inaugurating 2 day long programme of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples (9th August) starting on the 8 th morning at the central Shahid Minar organized by Bangladesh Adibasi Forum. Manzur further said that if we really want to realize the dreams of millions Bangalees and Adibasis who died during the Independence Struggle of Bangladesh,we should immediately restore the 1972 constitution which is one of the most democratic and progressive constitution in the countries of the region. He said though the constitution is categorical against any form of racialism and discrimination, the 72 constitution did not ensure the constitutional rights of adibasis. Recently ruling party leaders are also talking about ammedments in the constitution such as increasing the number of women MP’s and reducing the tenure of elected Govt.The 1st amendment should be recognition of Adibasis after the restoration of 72’s constitution. He said necessary up dating, improvements and even promulgation of new laws should be made to ensure traditional land rights, right to forests, hills and water resources, progressive customs and practices.
CPB President expressed satisfaction about the withdrawal of Army units from Chittagong Hill Tracts. He said it was Sheikh Hasinas Govt. who signed a peace treaty ending the armed struggle of Pahari Adibasis. But unfortunately the then Awami League Govt could not or did not fully implement the peace accord. The BNP, Jamat Government opposed the treaty carried on repressive measures in the Hill Tracts and the region was under virtual Army Rule. He expressed surprise about recent statements of certain political parties criticizing the withdrawal of the Army from the Area. He asked is Chittagong Hill Tracts an occupied area? Is there a war going on? Has any country laid claims on Chittagong hill tracts? The army is being withdrawn according to the treaty. The treaty was not ammulled by BNP Jamat Govt. Even after the withdrawal of troops 6 contonments will be there. Army will remain in the cantonment like in all other places of the country. The main thing is Chittagong Hill Tracts will be under civilian control. No military rule, killing, crossfire, torture, intervention. Manzur said we have dispute regarding our borders in other areas. Other countries are claiming their ownership of land belonging to Bangladesh. Even the sea blocks earmarked for exploration of gas and oil are being claimed by Myanmar and India. Those parties should have demanded that our Army and Navy should be rushed to those places to protect our territory. Our Army is supposed to protect our territory and the people, not to fight our own people! He said off course if the US and their allies try to use the territory to proceed with their aggressive designs targeting Myanmar and China our Army will rush there to resist..Paying homage to Adibasis and their martyred and deceased, leaders Shidu, Kanu who led the 1st Armed Santal Revolt against the British Rulers, Tonko movement led by Comrade Moni Singh, Nachol Revolt of Sautals led by Ila Mitra, Nankar movement led by Comrade Ajoy Bhattacharia, Abdus Salam alias, Barin Dutta and Comrade Hena Das who died only recently at the age of 85.
M.N Larma a revolutionary who lead the armed resistance of Pahari Adibasis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and recent martyars Kalpana Chakma, Alfred Soren, Ciles Risil, Piren Snal and young comrade Sattyaban Hajong. Manzur said killings are going on unabated and nobody is being punished.
CPB President delivering his inaugural address said that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been elected this time with a massive mandate and she should implement the peace accord and understanding reached a decade ago, without delay and hesitation.Manzur said in their struggle the Adibasis are not alone the Bangalaee people will also join in their common struggle. Bangladesh was born in the fierce struggle against national oppression and we cannot allow any oppression or discrimination against national minorities in our own country..
Manzur said today we are holding the inaugural meeting at the monument to the martyars of Language movement of 21st February 1952. That is now according to UN decision International Mothers Language Day. Now its our duty to protect the language, culture and heritage of Adibasis.
He said today mankind and all life forms faces a grave danger of extinction due to degradation of environment, nature and climate change. We can learn from the rich experience of indigenous people, and their culture, livelihood etc. how to live in complete harmony with nature and save both.
Presided over by Jyotirindra Bodhipriya (Santu) Larna, the meeting was addressed by Sanjeeb Drong. General Secretary of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, Rashed Khan Menon MP, Pankaj Bhattacharya, Hasanul Huq Inu MP, Ramenda Majumder, Syed Abul Moksud, Mamunur Rashid, Ayesha Khanam, Khushi Kabir, Prof. Mesbah Kamal, Numan Ahmed Khan, Dr. Shamim Ahmed Khan, Shaktipada Tripura, K.S. Mong and others.
The function was rounded off with traditional Adibasi songs and dances.
A colourfull rally paraded the streets around Shahid Minar.
Ekota Special Correspondent, Dated 9th August 2009
CPB President expressed satisfaction about the withdrawal of Army units from Chittagong Hill Tracts. He said it was Sheikh Hasinas Govt. who signed a peace treaty ending the armed struggle of Pahari Adibasis. But unfortunately the then Awami League Govt could not or did not fully implement the peace accord. The BNP, Jamat Government opposed the treaty carried on repressive measures in the Hill Tracts and the region was under virtual Army Rule. He expressed surprise about recent statements of certain political parties criticizing the withdrawal of the Army from the Area. He asked is Chittagong Hill Tracts an occupied area? Is there a war going on? Has any country laid claims on Chittagong hill tracts? The army is being withdrawn according to the treaty. The treaty was not ammulled by BNP Jamat Govt. Even after the withdrawal of troops 6 contonments will be there. Army will remain in the cantonment like in all other places of the country. The main thing is Chittagong Hill Tracts will be under civilian control. No military rule, killing, crossfire, torture, intervention. Manzur said we have dispute regarding our borders in other areas. Other countries are claiming their ownership of land belonging to Bangladesh. Even the sea blocks earmarked for exploration of gas and oil are being claimed by Myanmar and India. Those parties should have demanded that our Army and Navy should be rushed to those places to protect our territory. Our Army is supposed to protect our territory and the people, not to fight our own people! He said off course if the US and their allies try to use the territory to proceed with their aggressive designs targeting Myanmar and China our Army will rush there to resist..Paying homage to Adibasis and their martyred and deceased, leaders Shidu, Kanu who led the 1st Armed Santal Revolt against the British Rulers, Tonko movement led by Comrade Moni Singh, Nachol Revolt of Sautals led by Ila Mitra, Nankar movement led by Comrade Ajoy Bhattacharia, Abdus Salam alias, Barin Dutta and Comrade Hena Das who died only recently at the age of 85.
M.N Larma a revolutionary who lead the armed resistance of Pahari Adibasis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and recent martyars Kalpana Chakma, Alfred Soren, Ciles Risil, Piren Snal and young comrade Sattyaban Hajong. Manzur said killings are going on unabated and nobody is being punished.
CPB President delivering his inaugural address said that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been elected this time with a massive mandate and she should implement the peace accord and understanding reached a decade ago, without delay and hesitation.Manzur said in their struggle the Adibasis are not alone the Bangalaee people will also join in their common struggle. Bangladesh was born in the fierce struggle against national oppression and we cannot allow any oppression or discrimination against national minorities in our own country..
Manzur said today we are holding the inaugural meeting at the monument to the martyars of Language movement of 21st February 1952. That is now according to UN decision International Mothers Language Day. Now its our duty to protect the language, culture and heritage of Adibasis.
He said today mankind and all life forms faces a grave danger of extinction due to degradation of environment, nature and climate change. We can learn from the rich experience of indigenous people, and their culture, livelihood etc. how to live in complete harmony with nature and save both.
Presided over by Jyotirindra Bodhipriya (Santu) Larna, the meeting was addressed by Sanjeeb Drong. General Secretary of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, Rashed Khan Menon MP, Pankaj Bhattacharya, Hasanul Huq Inu MP, Ramenda Majumder, Syed Abul Moksud, Mamunur Rashid, Ayesha Khanam, Khushi Kabir, Prof. Mesbah Kamal, Numan Ahmed Khan, Dr. Shamim Ahmed Khan, Shaktipada Tripura, K.S. Mong and others.
The function was rounded off with traditional Adibasi songs and dances.
A colourfull rally paraded the streets around Shahid Minar.
Ekota Special Correspondent, Dated 9th August 2009
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