They also formed a human chain under the banner of the Bangladesh Adivasi Union (Indigenous people's union) at Muktangon in the city and demanded an end to the repression facing the indigenous people across the country.

Leaders of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) joined the protests to express solidarity with the tribal community.

Speaking at the protest programme, CPB President Monzurul Ahsan Khan alleged the government's patronisation of crimes have encouraged the killers to commit more crimes.

CPB General Secretary Muzahidul Islam Selim said that although the murder of Alfred Soren took place during the regime of Awami League (AL), the case still remains pending and the culprits remain at large.

The culprits are now threatening the indigenous people, he added.

Journalist Sayed Abul Moksud called on the government to ensure security of the tribal community.

Alfred Soren of Vimpur village of Mahadevpur at Naogaon was killed on August 18, 2000 when he tried to resist the eviction of the tribals from the village. The raiders set fire to his house and stabbed him to death.

President of Naogaon Adivasi Union Amin Kujur, member of Khelaghar Central Committee Faijur Rahman, Secretary of Naogaon CPB Mohsin Reza, Monthela Rakhain, Rafael Murmu, Nirmal Chowdhury, Ashim Das and Khan Asaduzzaman Masum also spoke.