'Stop displacement of indigenous people'

They said the indigenous people have been forced to live inhuman lives.

The consultative meeting of the South Asia Desk of International Alliance of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forests was held at a city hotel.

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Speaking at the meeting, Shantu Larma, president of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum and Parbatya Chattagram Janasanghati Samity, said global indigenous people should come together to establish their rights.

He said the indigenous people around the world are the victims of profound discrimination and repression.

The Bangladeshi indigenous people are struggling for their rights in spite of their small numbers," he added.

The meeting discussed various issues pertaining to land rights, social forestry, Kaptai Dam, Madhupur eco-park and settlement of non-indigenous people on their land.

An 11-point programme was drawn up at the meeting to protect the rights of the indigenous peoples of South Asia.

Presided over by Parshuram Tamang, vice-president of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs of the United Nations, the meeting was also addressed by Sukhendu Devbarma of Tripura University, Lalrekimi Salte, Father Gomez, and Albert Mankin.