The Indigenous World 2026: Bangladesh

Written on 22 April 2026. Posted in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country of cultural and ethnic diversity, with over 54 Indigenous Peoples speaking at least 35 languages, along with the majority Bengali population. According to the 2022 census, the country’s Indigenous population numbers approximately 1,650,478,^[1] which represents 1% of the total population. Indigenous Peoples in the country, however, claim that their population stands at some four million.^[2] The majority of the Indigenous population lives in the plains districts of the country,^[3] and the rest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

The state does not recognise Indigenous Peoples as “Indigenous”. Nevertheless, since the 15^th amendment of the constitution, adopted in 2011, people with distinct ethnic identities beyond the Bengali population are now mentioned.^[4] Yet only cultural aspects are mentioned, whereas major issues related to Indigenous Peoples’ economic and political rights, not least their land rights, remain ignored.

The CHT Accord of 1997 was a constructive agreement between Indigenous Peoples of the CHT and the Government of Bangladesh intended to resolve key issues and points of contention. It set up a special administrative system in the region. Twenty-eight years on, the major issues of the Accord, including making the CHT Land Commission functional, orchestrating a devolution of power and function to the CHT’s institutions, preserving “tribal” area characteristics of the CHT region, demilitarisation and the rehabilitation of internally displaced people, remain unsettled.

This article is part of the 40^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. Find The Indigenous World 2026 in full here

The peace and security situation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh remained volatile in 2025. While Indigenous Peoples in the plains districts experienced attacks and forced evictions centred on their lands, for the hill Indigenous Peoples, the forms of violence were diverse and involved different actors. The experiences of Indigenous Peoples of the CHT included incidents of extrajudicial killings and criminalisation by state forces, as well as large-scale communal attacks by Bengali settlers, all linked to the stagnation of the CHT Accord implementation process. The experiences of both the plains and hill Indigenous Peoples converged following a violent attack on Indigenous students in Dhaka, centred on their “Indigenous” identity.

Dire state of human rights in the CHT

The security and human rights situation in the CHT in 2025 remained appalling, with violations that included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, communal violence, land grabbing, and suppression of democratic movements. Despite the interim government being spearheaded by Nobel Peace Laureate, Dr Yunus, and several renowned civil society activists, Indigenous Peoples of this region witnessed human rights violations throughout the year. At least 268 incidents of human rights violations were reported in 2025, affecting over 600 Indigenous people who fell victim to various forms of rights abuses.^[5]

At least eight Jumma people were killed by members of the state forces, Bengali settlers and land grabbers, or in violent conflicts between Indigenous political groups.^{[6], [7]} The security forces conducted military operations in at least 193^[8] Jumma-inhabited villages during which they arbitrarily arrested at least 117 innocent Indigenous people, with 70 sent to jail through fabricated cases.^[9] The year witnessed three large-scale coordinated communal attacks, including two in Khagrachari on 27-28 September that resulted in three Jumma deaths and the burning of over 120 houses, shops, and establishments belonging to Indigenous people.^[10] Members of the Bawm in Bandarban continued to face particular persecution, with three members dying in prison custody due to denial of medical treatment.^{[11], [12]} Around 80 Bawm individuals—including women and children—remained imprisoned without trial following arbitrary arrests made in 2024.^[13]

Indigenous Peoples also reportedly faced systematic land dispossession, with at least 300 acres of land illegally occupied by companies, influential persons, and Bengali settlers through forcible eviction and false cases.^[14] Internal conflicts among Indigenous political groups also contributed to violence, with Indigenous political parties accusing each other of human rights violations, including killings, kidnappings, and extortion.^[15] Adding to the crisis, organised settler groups actively obstructed CHT Accord implementation efforts, forcing the postponement of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission meetings and other administrative initiatives through threats and strikes, while no effective legal action was taken against the perpetrators of violence, who remained unpunished.^[16]

Plains Indigenous Peoples face forced eviction and land-related attacks

The human rights situation of Indigenous Peoples in the plains districts in 2025 was marked by systematic land dispossession, violent evictions, and attacks on the sources of their livelihoods. In Rajshahi district, five Indigenous Kol families from Babudaing village of Godagari Upazila had their homes demolished by an excavator on 28 October, by order of the Godagari Assistant Judge’s Court, without adequate notice or time to remove their belongings, forcing them to take shelter under a bamboo grove.^[17] The families, who had lived on the land since 1998, believing it to be government-owned (khas), lost their court case—filed by a Bengali family claiming it as theirs—due to their inability to afford legal representation.^[18] In a separate incident in Rajshahi’s Mollapara, 13 Paharia families who had lived on a 53-year-old settlement faced eviction threats in September from a Bengali resident claiming ownership, although the authorities intervened and halted the eviction pending investigation.^[19] Moreover, on 15 August in Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha district, Indigenous Santals were attacked by a group of land grabbers, leaving at least three injured.^[20] These incidents reveal a systematic pattern whereby Indigenous families of the plains are being targeted for dispossession.

Such eviction attempts in the plains also included attacks on the livelihood sources of Indigenous Peoples. In Sylhet district’s Jaflong area, approximately 1,700 betel trees belonging to the Indigenous Khasi community in Lama Punji were destroyed by unidentified miscreants late on 28 July, with victims alleging the incident was part of a deliberate conspiracy to financially weaken and displace them.^[21] Betel cultivation constitutes the primary livelihood for the Khasi community. These land-related violations underscore the precarious land rights situation faced by different Indigenous communities in the plains.

Violent attack on Indigenous students in the capital

On 15 January 2025, a violent attack took place on Indigenous students in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) building in Dhaka, leaving at least 19 injured.^[22] The incident stemmed from a controversy over a textbook’s content that began three days earlier when the NCTB removed graffiti containing the term “Adivasi” (Indigenous) from the back cover of the Grade 9-10 Bengali grammar textbook following pressure from an organisation called Students for Sovereignty.^[23] The graffiti depicted a tree with five leaves labelled as Adivasi, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist, symbolising Bangladesh’s diversity. Students for Sovereignty argued that recognising Indigeneity threatens Bangladesh’s territorial integrity and demanded the removal of the term, claiming it was unconstitutional.^[24] After the NCTB complied with their demands almost immediately on 12 January, Indigenous students and activists organised a peaceful protest under the banner “Aggrieved Indigenous Students-Masses” to demand reinstatement of the artwork.^[25]

When nearly a hundred Indigenous students marched from Dhaka University to the NCTB office on 15 January, members of Students for Sovereignty suddenly appeared and launched a pre-planned assault with cricket stumps and sticks, despite police presence at the scene.^[26] A few attackers were arrested but dozens more remain to be brought to justice. The attack sparked widespread condemnation from Indigenous rights organisations and subsequent protests across the country. On 16 January, when Indigenous youths organised a march toward the Home Ministry, police responded with water cannon and baton charges, injuring seven more protesters.^[27] Reports suggest that Students for Sovereignty is primarily composed of Bengali settlers from the Chittagong Hill Tracts studying in Dhaka and there are allegations of links to fundamentalist groups.^[28] The artwork has never been reinstated into the textbook.

Violence against Indigenous women and girls

Violence against Indigenous women and girls remains a persistent concern in Bangladesh, affecting both the plains and the CHT. In 2025, Kapaeeng Foundation, a Bangladesh-based human rights organisation, documented 29 cases of violence against Indigenous women and girls. These reported incidents involved 32 ­ Indigenous women and girls who had experienced sexual or physical assault. The breakdown of these cases is alarming: 3 victims were raped; 2 were killed, 5 were attempted rapes, 4 survived gang rape, 9 were tortured, and 7 sexually harassed.^[29] These figures are likely to underrepresent the true extent of the problem. While all perpetrators were male, their backgrounds varied. The response from the state authorities regarding these cases has been inconsistent. Police cases were filed against the perpetrators in only 15 of the cases. In others, either no action was taken against the perpetrators or the support from the relevant state authorities was inadequate or delayed. This inconsistency in response suggests discriminatory treatment of Indigenous women and girls by some state authorities.

New Chair of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission appointed

On 28 August 2025, through a government notification issued by the Ministry of Land, retired Justice Muhammad Abdul Hafiz of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court was appointed as the new Chair of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission.^[30] He has been appointed to this post for a period of three years. This is the 6^th appointment of the Chair of the CHT Land Commission. The previous commissions failed to settle any land disputes in the area according to their mandate.

The Chair of the commission has been appointed under the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2021, which was framed following the provisions of the CHT Accord 1997. This Commission is responsible for resolving longstanding land-related disputes in the hilly areas.

CHT Accord Implementation Committee reconstituted and 10^th meeting held

The CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee has been reconstituted in accordance with Section 3 of Part ‘A’ of the CHT Accord signed in 1997. This committee was reconstituted through a gazette notification of the Ministry of CHT Affairs on 12 January 2025.

Md. Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Dr. Yunus-led interim government, has been appointed as the convener of the committee. The other two ex-officio members of the three-member Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee are Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, president of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), and Sudatta Chakma, chairman of the Task Force on the Rehabilitation of India-returnee Tribal Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.^[31]

It is to be noted that the scope of work of the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee is: to monitor and supervise the implementation process of the CHT Accord; to coordinate the activities of all ministries and departments, including all subordinate government, semi-government, autonomous organisations and authorities related to the implementation process of this Accord, and to provide necessary advice/instructions; to take necessary measures to resolve problems related to the implementation of this Accord and to provide recommendations to the government if necessary; to supervise activities related to the repatriation and rehabilitation of refugees; and to supervise activities related to the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.

After reforming the Committee, the 10^th meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee was held in Rangamati on 19 July 2025. The meeting, chaired by the convener of the committee, was attended by the two members.^[32]

In addition, the meeting was attended by Supradip Chakma, Advisor to the Ministry of CHT Affairs, Goutam Kumar Chakma, Member of the CHT Regional Council, Konkan Chakma, Joint Secretary to the Ministry of CHT Affairs, Deputy Secretary Mangal Chandra Pal and Deputy Secretary Shamsul Haque, among others.

The meeting discussed the appointment of the Chair of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission and the formulation of the Rules of the Land Commission. It was decided to send the draft Rules to the Land Ministry once more for the formulation of the Rules of the Land Commission.

In addition, it was decided to form a committee regarding the transfer of functions in the three Hill District Councils as per the CHT Accord. The decision was taken to form the committee with Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, President of the Jana Sanghati Samiti, as the head and Goutam Kumar Chakma, Member of the Regional Council, and concerned officials of the CHT Affairs Ministry as members.^[33]

Approval of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025

The current Interim Government of Bangladesh approved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 on 30 October 2025 with significant reforms aimed at transforming the commission into a truly empowered and effective institution. The ordinance got final approval of the Council of Advisers in a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Mohammad Yunus in the chair.^[34]

According to the approved NHRC Ordinance article 5(3)–at least one member of the five-member Commission will be from the Indigenous and vulnerable communities. Similarly, according to article 7(1)(F), a representative from the Indigenous and vulnerable communities will be included in the seven-member search committee in order to form the NHRC.^[35]

After the July uprising in 2024, there was huge demand for a reform of the NHRC. Given the structural flaws, weak mandate, and poor mechanism for appointing the commission, the interim government has taken the initiative to form a stronger human rights commission.

Pallab Chakma, Executive Director, Kapaeeng Foundation. Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bablu Chakma is an activist scholar from Bangladesh. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This article is part of the 40^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. Find The Indigenous World 2026 in full here

Notes and References:

^[1] Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. “Population and housing census – preliminary report 2022.” p. 10. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, 2022.

^[2] Barkat, Abul. “Political Economy of Unpeopling of Indigenous Peoples: The Case of Bangladesh.” Paper presented at the 19^th biennial conference, Bangladesh Economic Association, Dhaka, 8-10 January 2015.

^[3] Halim, Sadeka. “Land loss and implications on the plain land adivasis.” In “Songhati”, edited by Sanjeeb Drong, p. 72. Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, 2015.

^[4] Article 23A stipulates: “The State shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities.”

^[5] Parbtya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti. “PCJSS Annual Report of 2025 on Human Rights Situation in CHT.” I January 2026. https://www.pcjss.org/pcjss-annual-report-of-2025-on-human-rights-situation-in-cht/.

^[6] Ibid.

^[7] UPDF claims this number to be 13, see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FcPByLHplQo0Wy9kKsGBoW-v0dNArJ9I/view?usp=sharing

^[8] UPDF claims this number to be 249, see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FcPByLHplQo0Wy9kKsGBoW-v0dNArJ9I/view?usp=sharing

^[9] Parbtya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti, op. cit.

^[10] Ibid.

^[11] Hill Voice. “Another innocent Bawm citizen dies in Chittagong jail.” 17 July 2025. https://hillvoice.net/another-innocent-bawm-citizen-dies-in-chittagong-jail/

^[12] The Daily Star. Custodial deaths of 3 bawm men: 155 eminent citizens want judicial probe.” 1 August 2025. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/custodial-deaths-3-bawm-men-155-eminent-citizens-want-judicial-probe-3953506

^[13] New Age. “130 citizens demand release of Bawm people.” 12 December 2025. https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/284906/130-citizens-demand-release-of-bawm-people

^[14] Parbtya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti, op. cit.

^[15] Ibid.

^[16] Ibid.

^[17] Janajatir Kantho. “Indigenous people ‘not even given time to move belongings’ during eviction, now seeking shelter in bamboo groves.” 29 October 2025. https://www.janajatirkantho.com/2025/10/blog-post_29.html

^[18] Ibid.

^[19] The Business Standard. “Paharia community’s eviction halted in Rajshahi as authorities launch probe into land dispute.” 5 September 2025. https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/paharia-communitys-eviction-halted-rajshahi-authorities-launch-probe-land-dispute-1229371

^[20] Hill Voice. “Land grabbers attack on Santal indigenous peoples in Gaibandha, 3 seriously injured.” 18 August 2025. https://hillvoice.net/land-grabbers-attack-on-santal-indigenous-peoples-in-gaibandha-3-seriously-injured/

^[21] Hill Voice. “Two thousand betel trees belonging to Khasia community cut down by miscreants in Jaflong.” 29 July 2025. https://hillvoice.net/.../%e0%a6%9c%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%ab%e0.../; also see: Emja News: https://www.emjanews.com/news/7812

^[22] Kapaeeng Foundation. “Attack on Indigenous Students during a peaceful demonstration and rally in Dhaka.” 15 January 2025. https://kapaeengnet.org/attack-on-indigenous-students-during-a-peaceful-demonstration-and-rally-in-dhaka/

^[23] IWGIA. “A letter to Chief Adviser, Interim Government of Bangladesh to take urgent action on violent attacks on Indigenous students.” 31 January 2025. https://iwgia.org/en/news/5614-letter-chief-adviser-interim-government-bangladesh-violent-attacks-indigenous-students.html

^[24] Cultural Survival. “Cultural Survival Condemns Violence against Indigenous People in Bangladesh.” 31 January 2025. https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/cultural-survival-condemns-violence-against-indigenous-people-bangladesh

^[25] Kapaeeng Foundation, op. cit.

^[26] Ibid.

^[27] IWGIA, op. cit.

^[28] Bdnews24. “Who are Students for Sovereignty and why are they clashing with Adivasi groups?” 23 January 2025. https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/1b8c763bf567

^[29] Kapaeeng Foundation, 2026, Human Rights Report 2025 on Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh, Dhaka.

^[30] IP News BD. 7 September 2025. https://ipnewsbd.net/পার্বত্য-চট্টগ্রাম-ভূমি-2/

^[31] The Daily Star. “Implementing CHT peace accord: Govt forms committee to monitor process.” 20 January 2025. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/implementing-cht-peace-accord-govt-forms-committee-monitor-the-process-3803786

^[32] The Daily Star. “CHT peace accord: Govt working to resolve challenges.” 19 July 2025. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/cht-peace-accord-govt-working-resolve-challenges-3943146

^[33] Hill Voice. “10^th Meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee held.” 20 July 2025. https://hillvoice.net/10th-meeting-of-the-cht-accord-implementation-and-monitoring-committee-held/

^[34] BSS News. “NHRC (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 issued.” 10 December 2025. https://www.bssnews.net/news/340426

^[35] NHRC draft, 16 October 2025. https://legislativediv.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/legislativediv.portal.gov.bd/npfblock//NHRC%20draft%20-%2016.10.2025.pdf

Tags: Global governance