A Study of Indigenous Identity and Constitutional Challenges in Bangladesh

Abstract Book of the 12th International Academic Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2026

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A Study of Indigenous Identity and Constitutional Challenges in Bangladesh

Thowui Ching Marma

ABSTRACT:

In Bangladesh, a universally accepted definition of the term ‘indigenous people’ or ‘indigenous people’ has not yet been specified; as a result, internationally recognized self-identification or self-definition is considered the main criterion. Generally, it is logical to consider as indigenous people those groups that lived before the arrival of outsiders or occupying groups, who have their own culture, distinct customs, distinct values, and distinct socio-cultural traditions—and who are marginalized as cultural minorities in the state structure. Ethnic groups such as the Santal, Garo, Manipuri, Orang, Munda, Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Khumi, Bawm, etc. in Bangladesh clearly have legitimate claims to indigenous identity under this criterion. Here the state has made a big mistake—failing to understand the fundamental difference between ‘Indigenous’ as a cultural category and ‘Earliest migrants’ as a demographic or ethnic category. Research on history, anthropology and human settlement makes it clear that the Negrito, Austro-Hungarian, Dravidian and Mongolian populations are the oldest populations of this region; therefore, by both cultural and settlement criteria, the present indigenous groups are the ancient inhabitants of this land. But the constitution has unambiguously narrowed the civic identity of the indigenous people by referring to the ‘Bangladesh nation of Bengalis’. As a result, numerous ethnic groups including Chakma, Marma, Santal, Garo are being forced to be known as ‘tribes/small ethnic groups’, which limits our respect, identity and rights.
Today, as the world moves towards a multicultural and inclusive society, indigenous peoples in Bangladesh are still struggling for recognition, dignity and constitutional status. Like every human being, we have the equal right to live with our own ethnicity and culture.

Keywords: Kndigenous Identity, Self-Identification, Cultural Marginalization, Constitutional Recognition, Ethnic Pluralism