In face of hardships and struggle in everyday life, the population belonging to ethnic minority demands constitutional recognition, equal rights and dignity.

The call was made in observation of the World Indigenous Day yesterday.

Worldwide, the day was observed this year with the theme "Post 2015 Agenda: Ensuring indigenous peoples health and wellbeing".

Academics, rights activists and civil society members also expressed solidarity with the indigenous people, who marched and performed traditional dances to mark the day in the capital city, Dhaka.

Bangladesh Adivasi Forum and Manusher Jonno Foundation organised the programmes at the Central Shaheed Minar and Bangla Academy premises respectively.