They also criticized the government for avoiding its responsibility for the indigenous peoples.

"A conspiracy is on to root out the indigenous people. The 45 ethnic groups need a strong national political party to fight for their rights," said Chairman of CHT Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma at the inaugural session of the two-day conference in Dhaka.

The National Adivasi Coordination Committee (NACC), Bangladesh Adivasi Forum (BAF), Hill Tracts NGO Forum (HTNF) organized the conference on 'Emerging Issues of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh' in association with the Nijera Kori, an NGO. The Minority Rights Group International, London sponsored the conference.

The conference was aimed at reaching a consensus on indigenous issues between indigenous peoples and the government.

Raja Devasish Roy, Chairperson of the HTNF, said discrimination against the ethnic community was still prevailing in society.

Promod Mankin MP, General Secretary of BAF Sanjeeb Drong, Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, theatre personality Mamun-ur Rashid and Prof Mesbah Kamal were among others who addressed the conference.

Source: Peace Campaign Group