The constitution does not recognise the indigenous people of the country, which, sometimes, is considered to be a 'mistake by leaders of the country', but 'the mistake' was committed with an intention to sideline them, speakers at the programme said.

They said there are around 45 indigenous communities in the country and they contributed to all national movements, but the history doest not mention their contribution. "Rather, they are being deprived, oppressed and tortured to death."

They also upheld the minority communities' demands for constitutional recognition, right to ancestral land, primary education in their mother language, equal opportunity in job, and protection of their culture.

Bangladesh Adhivasi Adhikar Andolon organised the daylong programme at the National Museum in the city to mark the 152nd anniversary of Santal Rebellion against the British rulers and local landlords in the vast areas from Birbhum to Bhagolpur in the then Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

The rebellion, possibly the first ever methodical uprising against the British Colonial rule in 1855 and 1856, which later influenced the Sepoy Rebellion in 1857, Tebhaga Movement during 1946 and 1950 and other movement against the imperialism.

At a discussion on 'Contribution of Adhivasi in freedom struggle to liberation war', Prof Serajul Islam Chowdhury said the minor nationalities in the country have not been recognised in the constitution, as the people at the centre of the power want to see them sidelined.

"The British rulers had created a repression-based society destroying the traditional society. Now the situation has changed, but the British-made social structure is still in place. We are still applying laws and education systems introduced by the British," he said.

Prof Chowdhury also inaugurated a website, www.bangladeshindigenous.com, on the indigenous communities.

Presenting a keynote paper, Prof Ganesh Saren said the minority communities have contribution to every national movement of the country but they are being deprived of their rights.

Prof HKS Arefin, president of Bangladesh Adhivasi Adhikar Andolon, presided over the discussion.

Earlier, Adhivasi freedom fighters Rabon Kisku, Suren Chandra Singh Julias Hasda and Suresh Chandra Das inaugurated the programme by lighting candles.

Justice M Golam Rabbani, former adviser to the caretaker government Advocate Sultana Kamal and Mesbah Kamal of Bangladesh Adhivasi Adhikar Andolon spoke at the inaugural session.

A total of 10 Adhivasi freedom fighters were also awarded Shidhu-Kanu Medal in the third session of the programme. They are Champai Saren, Hemandra Kumar Murari, Rabon Kisku, Julias Hasda, Chaina Orao, Amin Murmu, Jahon Tudu, Suren Chandra Singh, Rabilal Rabi Das and Sukhchand Orao.

Freedom fighter Advocate ZI Khan Panna and former army chief Lt Gen (retd) M Harun-Or-Rashid Bir Pratik gave away medals and crests to them.

A cultural programme was also held in the evening where indigenous people and Bangalees rendered songs and staged a drama. A film on the life and struggle of Adivasis was also screened.