Bangladesh tribal groups observe International Day of Indigenous People

Dhaka, Aug.10 (ANI): Members of several tribal communities in Bangladesh congregated at the national memorial here on Tuesday to observe the 17th International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly had declared August 9 as the International Day of the World's Indigenous People to promote and protect the rights of the global indigenous population.

"We all have gathered here to celebrate the World Indigenous People's Day. We Bangladeshi indigenous community demand to government to solve our land rights problem and also protect our culture and languages," said a tribal Rinti Chakma.

There are about 46 different tribes in Bangladesh who claim to fulfill the UN's criteria for being termed "Indigenous".

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is being observed across the world with theme this year being on "Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future". (ANI)