Protesters Label Indigenous Communities as “Terrorist-Separatists,” Demand Repeal of Recognition and Arrests

Staff Reporter

An organization named “Bikkhubdho Sarbavoum Chhatra-Janata” described the term “indigenous” as “anti-constitutional” and “anti-national,” calling for the arrest of individuals advocating for recognition of indigenous communities.

On Thursday, January 23, the group made these demands during a protest in front of the National Press Club. The event was held under the banner “Students for Sovereignty,” protesting what they described as an “unprovoked attack” by separatist tribal groups and left-wing extremists.

Muhammad Shamsuddin, a student of Shaheed Suhrawardy College and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated, “Those claiming to be indigenous are essentially people who migrated here from other countries. We allowed them to stay. They are tribal, not indigenous. There have never been indigenous peoples in this country, and there never will be.”

Other speakers alleged that individuals like Rakhal Raha, referred to as “outsiders” and “red-terrorists,” included anti-constitutional and separatist language in educational content while serving on NCTB revision committees. They accused these actions of fueling separatist claims and plans to divide the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the country under the guise of indigenous identity.

The group also claimed that separatist tribal groups, along with their leftist allies, launched a smear campaign against “Students for Sovereignty,” filed false cases, and detained two of their supporters. They described these actions as regrettable and a threat to national sovereignty.

The protesters presented a three-point demand:
1. Withdrawal of false cases filed against “Students for Sovereignty” and unconditional release of their detained members.
2. Immediate arrest and punishment of key figures allegedly responsible for the Motijheel violence, including Rakhal Raha, Alik Mridha, and Armanul Haque. They also demanded a ban on media outlets like *Prothom Alo* and *The Daily Star*, which they claimed supported these individuals.
3. The term “indigenous” to be recognized as “anti-constitutional” and “anti-national.” They demanded the arrest of individuals advocating for indigenous recognition and spreading such demands.

The event was attended by other representatives of “Bikkhubdho Sarbavoum Chhatra-Janata,” including co-spokespersons Muhammad Russell and Muhammad Saidur Rahman.