The indigenous people of Bangladesh participated in all movements with Bangalees, the mainstream population of the country, unfortunately their constitutional rights are yet to be established properly. Before 15th amendment of the constitution of Bangladesh took place in June 2011, the existence of the indigenous people of the country was not recognized. This issue was being hanged for four decades after attaining independence in 1971. Despite their strong protest, through this amendment the indigenous people referred as ‘tribes’, ‘minor races’, ‘ethnic sects and communities’ instead of ‘indigenous peoples’. As a result, their expectation are yet to be fullfiled. The article attempted to explore the overall background regarding constitutional recognition of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh.
Indigenous peoples, ethnic communities, ethnic minorities, tribe, adivasi, constitutional recognition
