International Day of Indigenous People was celebrated in the district yesterday with a call to raise awareness and protect the rights of the indigenous people across the globe.

This year’s theme of the day was , ‘Leaving no one Behind’.

Marking the day, civil society organization Abalambanand Sahebganj Bhumi UddharSangram Committee, Bangali ADIBASHI SonghotiParishad, and Adibashi Union jointly chalked out the elaborate programmes.

The programmes included bringing out colorful rally, arrow throwing competition and holding cultural function through the active participation of the Adivashi people from all walks of life.

Besides, a big human chain was also held in front of GANASAS Market with president of the Sahebganj-Bagda Farm Bhumi UddharSangram Committee and also leader of aboriginal people PhilimonBasker in the chair.

The function was also addressed, among others, by president of BangaliAdibashiSonghotiParishad Advocate Sirajul Islam Babu, general secretary of JatiyaSamajTantrik Dal, district unit, ZiaulHaqueJohney, member secretary of JanoUddyogProbirChakrabartee, Adibashi leaders PricilaMurmu, human rights workers Anjali Rani Debi and Shahidul Islam, general secretary of Bangladesh Robidash Forum KhilonRobidash and leader of Bhumi Uddhar Committee Moynul Islam.

The speakers stressed the need for undertaking effective steps to make the aboriginal people competent in all aspects especially literacy and social empowerment so that they could be mainstreamed.

The Adivasi leaders in their speeches said their lives and livelihoods of the ethnic community people have become vulnerable as they are subjected to frequent
repression and harassment.

In this context, they urged the government to protect their ethno diversities and legitimate rights to ensure the economic development and peaceful existence in the society.

They also demanded to celebrate the indigenous day in the country nationally at the initiative of the government to focus the current situation of the indigenous people.