President Calls for United Efforts to Ensure Indigenous Rights

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all ethnic minority communities to join forces in ensuring their development, rights, and overall dignity. He made these remarks during a courtesy meeting at Bangabhaban on Monday afternoon with a 52-member delegation representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party. Led by Central Committee President Mrigen Hagidok, the delegation shared various pressing concerns and key developmental priorities faced by minority populations across the country.

Acknowledging these concerns, the President highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to resolve issues in both plainlands and hill tracts. However, he emphasized that communities must actively champion their own progress while strengthening internal cooperation. Encouraging joint initiative, he stated, ‘If you step forward one step, I will step forward two,’ while urging delegates to adopt pragmatic, issue-focused development projects. Addressing land disputes, he advised ethnic groups to stay vigilant, united, and proactively coordinate with local authorities.

Referring to the recent destruction of betel nut trees in Khasia Punji, Moulvibazar, the President described the incident as deeply unfortunate. He assured the visiting delegation that a neutral investigation would be conducted, promising necessary action against those responsible. Beyond dispute resolution, he placed strong emphasis on improving educational opportunities for young people within ethnic communities. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of promoting their cultural heritage, expressing support for a special cultural showcase at Bangabhaban during the upcoming Pahela Baishakh.

Several high-level officials and community leaders attended the meeting alongside President Alamgir and the ethnic minority delegation. Key attendees included Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Saching Pru Jerry MP, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bijon Kanti Sarkar, and Ethnic Minority Party General Secretary Shishir D’O. The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, and Press Secretary were also present during the discussions.