Hello Tribal friends,
Today is your day. Yes, today is World Indigenous Day. This day is celebrated in recognition of the tribals and their contribution. Although this day is for the indigenous people of the whole world, I will still discuss the indigenous people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is basically inhabited by indigenous people in five divisions. These are the hilly areas of Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh and some areas of Rajshahi. I have traveled to all the tribal areas except Rajshahi division.
Bangladesh is a predominantly Bangla-speaking country. Indigenous peoples, on the other hand, have their own language, customs, and dress. For this reason, they do not have to be identified separately, it is clear that they are indigenous.
Although Bangladesh is a Muslim country, the tribals are mainly Buddhists. Since the indigenous people are mostly from Burma, they are following Buddhists religion because most of the people in Burma are Buddhist. Although some indigenous people from India have come to this country, their number is very low.
It is said that tribal people are arrogant in nature but my personal experience is the complete opposite. I have a number of Chakma friends, their hospitality and manners are remarkable. I have a Chakma friend named Bandhan. He is from Khagrasori hilly area. I have been to his house more than once and I am overwhelmed by their hospitality.
As there are so many Chakma tribals in Bangladesh, so my Chakma friends are higher among the tribal friends. Apart from Chakma, there are Tripura, Marma, Manipuri, Khasia and other tribal groups. Although the total number of indigenous people in Bangladesh is more than 2 million as of 2010, this number is expected to exceed 3 million in the last 10 years.
The eating habits of the tribals are a little different from that of the common Bangladeshi people. When I went to visit my tribal friend's house, I was a little scared to see some traditional food on their table. One of them was a kind of food made with the tip of a young bamboo. Although I didn't feel bad after eating it.
The occupation of the tribal people is mainly farming. They grow a variety of crops in the hilly areas and make a living from them. They cultivate different types of fruits like banana, mango, pineapple and many more. But now many tribals are educated in higher education and are working in different institutions.
Now in Bangladesh, Bengalis and tribals are living in harmony. But at one time it was not like that. The hill tribes of Chittagong fought with the Bangladesh Army for autonomy. That instability lasted for almost two decades. Later, in 1997, a peace agreement was signed between the Indigenous Peace Force and government. Since then there has been peace in the area except few minor disturbances.
The people of Bangladesh are peace loving so Bengalis and tribals have been living together here for ages. Everyone expects this friendship to last forever. This is everyone's expectation on Indigenous Day.
Thanks.
Stay safe and healthy.