Rabindranath Soren, Leader of indigenous rights movement in Bangladesh, President of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Vice-President of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples’ Forum and Chairperson of Kapaeeng Foundation, passed away at his home due to illness on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at approximately 1.25 am. He has left his wife, one son and one daughter and numerous well-wishers.

This lifelong struggler and leader, was a vocal in every crisis of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh. He was a strong voice against every human rights violation on indigenous peoples in hills and plains. Even in sick condition, he travelled to different parts of the country for indigenous rights movement. He was engaged in the movement and struggle for the proper and full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord (CHT Accord) signed in 1997. Besides, he played a vital role in the movement demanding the formation of a land commission and protection of the land for indigenous peoples in the plains. Likewise, as he was the leader of the indigenous rights movement of the entire country, he was also a genuine friend-guardian and safe haven for the indigenous peoples of North Bengal.

Rabindranath Soren involved directly in politics by joining in the Workers Party of Bangladesh in the eighties of the 20th century. He played a significant and leading role in the formation of the 'Jatiya Adivashi Parishad' in the nineties of the last century with the aim of realizing the political and economic rights of the indigenous peoples of North Bengal. His love for the exploited, deprived, oppressed and toiling people and his intense desire to change the society has made him hold a seat of dignity at the national level. He will remain immortal in the hearts of the oppressed people especially in the indigenous communities due to his work and contribution.