There is not a single mention of the non-Bangali and indigenous people in the 27-page July National Charter.
Various political parties and alliances formulated the final draft with an aim to build a democratic and humane state in the aftermath of the 2024 mass uprising. However, the demands for recognition of the indigenous peoples found no place in the document.
For decades, indigenous communities of the hill tracts and plain districts have been struggling for constitutional recognition of their identity and protection of their ancestral lands, language, culture, and heritage.
On 9 August, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples observed, the Bangladesh Adivasi Forum once again raised the demand for constitutional recognition of the communities.
On page 5 of the July National Charter 2025, Article 8 describes Bangladesh as a diverse state. It reads that the Constitution will mention Bangladesh is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural country where coexistence and due dignity of all communities shall be ensured.
At the 9 August event, the statement of Adivasi Forum President Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, better known as Shantu Larma, read that no representative of the indigenous communities were included in the reform talks held after the July 2024 mass uprising. "The indigenous peoples are still fighting for their very existence."
One of the demands of indigenous communities is the protection of their land rights. At the event, the community representatives reiterated their demand for a separate ministry and a land commission for the indigenous peoples.
Similarly, the July Charter makes no reference to the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. The full implementation of the accord still remains a major demand of the communities.
Shantu Larma's statement said the situation of the indigenous people of the plains is even more precarious. "Eviction from their lands, violence against the women, discrimination, and the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators are pushing the communities into further marginalisation."
The July Charter mentions on page 4 that the state language of the Republic shall be Bangla and the constitution will recognise all other mother tongues of Bangladesh as the common or prevailing languages of the country.
But it does not clarify whether the state will take steps to preserve and ensure institutional use of indigenous languages.
Alik Mree, a leader of National Citizen Party, told Stream that he rejects the July Charter because of the omission of indigenous communities.
The indigenous communities were not consulted when the parties formulated the Charter, he said, adding that activists are in talks with the government and political parties.
"If the July Charter does not include indigenous representation, we will take to the streets. This is about my identity, about who I am, I will not compromise on this."
The Charter says citizens of the country will now be known as Bangladeshis instead of Bangalis. Different rights groups and parties commend the effort to establish an inclusive national identity. But the Charter falls short of specifically addressing the marginalisation of the non-Bangali communities.
On 17 August, the National Consensus Commission sent the final draft of the Charter to political parties and asked for their feedback. It mentions that the Charter can override provisions and articles of laws and the constitution. Besides, the validity, necessity or authority of the Charter cannot be questioned in any court of law.
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