FROM CENTRAL SHAEED MINAR: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Professor Mizanur Rahman on Saturday said the international law of humans rights is being violated though violation of the rights of indigenous people.

“We have to accept the indigenous people, if we want to build Bangladesh with the spirit of War of Independence. They can no longer be remained denied,” he said.
 
The rights watchdog chief came up with the observation while inaugurating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2014 at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.

She said, “During the birth of Bangladesh, it promised to follow all international laws, when the United Nations are saying them ‘indigenous people’; at that time, we feel hesitation calling them indigenous,  this a clear violation of international law.”

Addressing the function, Dhaka University vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique said, “The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord would have to be implemented soon, the Constitution gives the rights of ingenious people.”

“We have to step forward with good wishes and to ensure the indigenous children’s education in their mother tongue,” he added.

Presided over by Parbotto Chattagram Anchalik Parishad chairman Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma, Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon attended the function as the chief guest.

Canadian high commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden, Danish ambassador Hanne Fugl Eskjær, UNDP Bangladesh country director Pauline Tamesis, Communist Party of Bangladesh president, Mujahidul Islam Selim, actor Mamunur Rashid, Manusher Jonno Foundation executive director Shaheen Anam, among others, spoke at the function.

This year's theme for the day is "Bridging the gap: implementing the rights of indigenous peoples".

** Indigenous People’s Day being marked

BDST: 1500 HRS, AGU 09, 2014