While inaugurating the eight- day- long programme in observance of the International Indigenous People's Day at the Dhaka University Senate auditorium the speakers said around 45 ethnic minorities are living in Bangladesh and they are void of their rights for social, economical and political discrimination.

Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples' Rights Movement and Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum jointly organised the programme.

Raja Devasish Roy inaugurated the programme at Dhaka University Senate auditorium where Prof Dr Anisuzzaman was present as chief guest.

Devashish Roy said information about indigenous people and their rights was not properly covered in media.

Even the textbooks do not contain adequate information that leads to discrimination towards them, he added.

Apologising for the repression on indigenous people that has been taking place since the liberation war, Prof Anisuzzaman said politics should ensure their welfare.

"We must remember that the change that will come for better life and better living should not be imposed on others," he added.

Highlighting the need to observe the day nationally Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University said Bangladesh needs to observe the day to safeguard the dignity of the indigenous people.

He urged the caretaker government to observe the day nationally saying that the previous partisan governments failed to do it.

" The constitution did not say anything about the rights of these ethnic minority groups. They are neglected in state policy, no law is enacted to protect their rights and even the existing laws are not implemented," he said, adding that their language, culture, land and resources are threatened for this indifferent attitude of the state.

Presided over by Journalist Syed Abul Moksud, the inaugural programme was also addressed by President of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary Rabindra Saren, Prof HK Arefin, Khasi Minister Nirola Tangsang and Researcher Shirin Khan.

Names of six journalists were also announced at the programme who will be honoured for their work to create public opinion in favour of the struggle of achieving the indigenous peoples' right

The journalists are Biplob Rahman, Golam Mortoza, Farzana Rupa, Nazrul Kabir, Hari Kishore Chakma and Anwar Hossain.

In the evening lamp was lit at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture craving the welfare of indigenous people, Bangalees and all mankind.

The inaugural function was followed by a cultural programme.