Indigenous Peoples Day observed with calls for rights

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2026 was observed across Bangladesh on Sunday with rallies, discussions and cultural programmes, with indigenous communities demanding constitutional recognition, protection of land rights and preservation of their languages, cultures and heritage.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum organised the central programme at the Shaheed Minar, bringing together indigenous people from different parts of the hills and plains in traditional attire. The programme included discussions, a rally and cultural performances.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad called for immediate measures to prevent violence against indigenous women and children and ensure their constitutional and human rights. In a statement, it placed a nine-point set of demands, saying the observance aimed to protect indigenous peoples' dignity, culture, traditions and identity and end discrimination and deprivation. This year's theme is "Honouring Indigenous Midwives, Safeguarding Life and Wellbeing."

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman expressed solidarity with indigenous peoples, saying their rights were integral to the broader struggle for human rights.

"Until the fundamental rights of the indigenous people of the country are ensured, it will not be possible to ensure the rights of all people in Bangladesh in reality," he said.

Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum General Secretary Sanjeev Drong said the country's ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity was a strength and called for an end to land grabbing and displacement in the name of development.

The day was also observed in Rangamati with a procession, discussion and cultural programme at Municipal Square. In Kamalganj, Moulvibazar, indigenous communities renewed demands for civil and land rights and constitutional recognition. Similar programmes were held in Sunamganj's Tahirpur, Satkhira, Joypurhat, Porsha in Naogaon, Kalmakanda and Durgapur in Netrakona and Bakshiganj in Jamalpur.

In Satkhira, Sundarban Adivasi Munda Sangstha organised a rally, memorandum submission, discussion and cultural programme demanding protection of indigenous life and traditional knowledge.