Picture Source: Collected.

Background of the incident:

On January 15, 2025, a violent attack was occurred out on Indigenous Students by a group of  students in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) building in Motijheel, Dhaka. The Indigenous students had gathered for a peaceful protest against the removal of an image of a graffiti featuring the word ‘indigenous’ (Adivasi, in Bangla) from the back of a school textbook,   At least 19 indigenous students were injured in the attack and 10 of them were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Earlier on January 12 the NCTB authority removed the image of the graffiti that contained the word “indigenous” following the demands of ‘Students for Sovereignty’ organization. Indigenous students declared today’s protest program against this decision of the NCTB.

The protest, however, turned violent when members of ‘Students for Sovereignty’ launched an unprovoked attack on the Indigenous students. It is learnt that; the protest of indigenous students was organized under the banner of “Aggrieved Indigenous Student-People” as part of their ongoing struggle for cultural recognition in Bangladesh’s educational system. The removal of the term ‘Adivasi’ from textbooks  sparked outrage within the community. The students planned a peaceful procession against the decision of removing the graffiti by NCTB authority .

The demonstration and protest rally by the Indigenous students was first started from TSC, Dhaka University at 10 am in the morning today. From TSC hundreds of indigenous students and leaders of many progressive organizations and human rights activists marched towards NCTB located in Motijheel area of Dhaka city.  Eyewitnesses said that before the indigenous students reached at the NCTB building at around 12 noon, the members of ‘Students for Sovereignty’ were already there holding cricket stamps with the national flag.  

 Picture Source: collected

Meanwhile, the indigenous students, who were marching peacefully to the NCTB building, were attacked first by members of the ‘Students for Sovereignty.’ Despite the presence of police personnel at the scene, ‘Students for Sovereignty’ launched an unprovoked assault. The attackers, armed with cricket batons, struck the indigenous students, resulting in injuries to at least 19.

Number of injured victims:

At least 19 students were injured, and several were required to admit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital with serious injuries.

The seriously injured has been identified are –1. Ananta Dhamai (35), Former President of Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum, 2. Don Jetra (28), Dhaka Metropolitan Branch of Bagachas, 3. Jewel Marak (35), Journalist of DBC News, 4. Rupaya Shrestha Tanchangya (25), Central Member of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Student of Dhaka University, 5. Tony Mathew Chiran, Vice- President of Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum, 6. Isaba Shuhrat (32), Human Rights Activist, 7. Futanta Chakma (22), Student.

The other injured are-1. Donai Mro (25), Student of Dhaka University, 2. Rengyoung Mro (27), Vice-President of CHT Hill Student Council, 3. Sneha Lal Tanchangya, Student of Dhaka University, 4. Shanta Chakma, Student of Dhaka University, 5. Sushmi Chakma, Student of Dhaka University, 6. Angel Chakma, Student of Jagannath University, 7. Sushanto Chakma, Student, 8. Michel Tripura, Student, 9. Malay Bikash Tripura, Student, Dhaka University, 10. Shoili (27), Student of Dhaka University, 11. Rahi Nayab, Student of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Dhaka University, 12. Robi Biswas, Student of Dhaka University.

Action taken by police:

The police have yet to release an official statement on their role in managing the situation, and an investigation into the incident is underway. Indigenous leaders are demanding impartial investigation of the attack, and activists are calling for a broader conversation about the need for greater recognition of indigenous rights in Bangladesh.

Alik Mree, an organizer with the Agitated Indigenous Students, condemned the attack, emphasizing that their protest was meant to be peaceful. He expressed disbelief that their group, which was marching in a non-violent manner, was attacked by another student group, even in the presence of police. Mree further criticized the use of national symbols, such as the national flag tied to cricket batons, in what he described as an act of aggression.

Statement by different organizations:

Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (BIPF) condemned the violent attack by the members of ‘Students for Sovereignty’ on the peaceful demonstration and protest rally of the Indigenous Students.

Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples’ Forum also considers the decision taken by the NCTB is unfortunate which is to remove the ‘Adivasi’ (Indigenous) word from the Grade 9-10 Bengali grammar textbook without any discussion with the relevant organizations and authorities of the state in view of the demands of some radical sectarian and fundamentalist groups on 12 January 2025. Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (BIPF) rejects with disgust and expresses strong anger and protest against such discriminatory and humiliating decision and demanded punishment whoever involves in the attack..

Hill Student Council and Hill Women’s Federation of CHT also strongly condemned and protested and demanded speedy arrest and punishment of the terrorists involved in the attack.

Post Attack Actions by the Indigenous Students:

The indigenous students immediately declared programs against the attack

1.     Protest rally in the evening at Dhaka University campus

2.     Protest on 16 January 2025 in every conner of the country

3.     Protest on January 17, 2025 Infront of the Chief Adviser's Office demanding justice of today’s incident and reinstatement of the graffiti containing ‘Adivasi’ (Indigenous) words.

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