Assignment

On
People and Cultures of Bangladesh

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Most Fatema Akter Mim Dr. Bokhtiar Ahmed
ID: 2311229 Professor, Anthropology
SL No: 22

Course Details:
Course Name: Introduction to Anthropology
Course Code: ANT101
Section: 1

Date of Submission: 30.03.2024

 Cultural Diversity of Bangladesh

Introduction
Bangladesh is a land of variety. The charm of its landscape, hills, hillocks& woods are as
alluring as those of the primitive people who inhabit its solitary woodlands. The indigenous
peoples of Bangladesh refer to native ethnic minorities in the southeastern, northwestern,
north-central, and northeastern regions of the country. These regions include the Chittagong
Hill Tracts, Sylhet Division, Rajshahi Division, and Mymensingh Division. The total
population of indigenous ethnic minorities in Bangladesh was estimated to be over 2.5
million in 2017. Bangladesh is a country of cultural and ethnic diversity, with over 45 small
ethnic groups who possess diverse cultures that include their languages/dialogues, food
habits, dresses, music, etc. In the 2011 Census, Bangladesh’s ethnic population was
approximately 1.58 million, which is more than 2.5 million at present, which represents 1.8
percent of the country’s total population. However, ethnic groups claim that their population
is far more than that. Among the total small ethnic group population, a significant number
live in the plain lands, and the rest of them reside in the hilly areas. They are diverse ethnic
communities including Tibeto-Burman, Austric, and Dravidian people. A vast number of
indigenous tribes of Bangladesh are Buddhists and Hindus by faith while the remaining few
are Christians and animists. There about 45 groups of ethnic people live in Bangladesh. Some
of them are: Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, Mro, Santal, Khasi, Jaintia, Garo,
Manipuri, Keot(Kaibarta), Pangal or Pangan, Mru, Bawm, Chak, Khumi, Hajong, Kuki,
Pankho, Khyang. Ethnic minorities of Bangladesh have their cultural traditions and
frequently, languages. There are many differences between ethnic groups and Bengali people.
The differences in culture and ethnicity between Bengali people and other ethnic groups can
be attributed to a variety of factors, including historical, geographical, linguistic, and social
influences.

a. Historical Factors: The history of a particular ethnic group, including its interactions
with other groups, colonization, migration patterns, and cultural exchanges, can shape
its unique cultural identity.
b. Geographical Factors: The geographical location of a group can influence its
culture, traditions, language, and customs. Different environmental conditions can
lead to distinct ways of life and practices.
c. Linguistic Factors: Language is an important aspect of culture and can play a
significant role in shaping cultural identity. Different ethnic groups may have their
languages or dialects that contribute to their distinct cultural heritage.
d. Social Factors: Social structures, religious beliefs, values, and traditions within a
community can also contribute to differences in culture and ethnicity. These factors
can influence everything from family dynamics to societal norms and practices.

Table 1:

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List of ethnic communities in Bangladesh

Sl. Ethnic Sources Populations Districts

No Communities (1991)

1. Chakma CHT Regulation- 252858 Rangamati, Khagrachari,

1900 & SEGCI Act Bandarban, Chittagong &
2010 Cox’s Bazar district

2. Marma CHT Regulation- 157,301 Rangamati, Khagrachari &

1900 & SEGCI Act Bandarban
2010

3. Tripura CHTRC Act 1998 81,014 Rangamati, Khagrachari,

& ACGCI Act Bandarban, Sylhet,
2010 Chittagong, Rajbari,
Chandpur & Comilla

4. Mro CHTRC Act 1998 22,304 Rangamati & Bandarban

& ACGCI Act
2010

5. Tanchangya CHTRC Act 1998 21,639 Rangamati & Bandarban

& ACGCI Act
2010

6. Bawm CHTRC Act 1998 13,471 Rangamati & Bandarban

& ACGCI Act
2010

7. Pankhua HDG Act 1998 & 3,227 Rangamati & Bandarban

SEGCI 2010

8. Chak CHRC Act 1998 & 2127 Rangamati & Bandarban

SEGCI Act 2010

9. Khyang CHTRC Act 1998 2343 Rangamati & Bandarban

& SEGCI Act 2010

10. Khumi CHTRC Act 1998 1241 Rangamati & Bandarban

& SEGCI Act 2010

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 11. Lushai CHTRC Act 1998 662 Rangamati & Bandarban
& SEGCI Act 2010

12. Koch EBSAT Act 1950 16,567 Mymensingh, Tangail,

& SEGCI Act 2010 Sherpur, Netrokona, Gazipur

13.
Santal EBSAT Act 1950 202,162 Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Noagaon,
& SEGCI Act 2010 Bogra, Chapainawabgonj,
Rangpur, panchagar, nature,
Thakurgaon & Sylhet Tea
Garden

14. Dalu EBSAT Act 1950 Mymensingh, Sherpur,

& SEGCI Act 2010 Jamalpur

15. Rakhain BIPF 2005 & 16,932 Cox’s Bazar, Bogura,

SEGCI Act 2010 Potuakhali

16. Monipuri Census of 1991 & 24,882 Moulvibazar, Sylhet,

SEGCI Act 2010 Habigonj, Sunamgonj

17. Garo/Mandi EBSAT Act 1950 64,280 Mymensingh, Tangail,

& SEGCI Act 2010 Sherpur, Netrokona, Gazipur,
Rangpur, Sylhet, Sunamgonj,
Moulvibazar

18. Hajong EBSAT Act 1950 11,540 Mymensingh, Netrokona,

& SEGCI Act 2010 Sherpur, Sylhet, Sunamgonj,

19. Khasi Census of 1991 & 12,280 Moulvibazar, Sylhet,

SEGCI Act 2010 sunamgonj

20. Oraon EBSAT Act 1950 8,216 Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Naogaon,

& SEGCI Act 2010 Bogra

The Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institutes (SEGCI) Act 2010 recognized only 27 out of
more than 50 Indigenous ethnic groups in Bangladesh. Two Indigenous ethnic gropus Usai
and Mong, included in the list of 27 ethnic groups do not exist in reality.

In Bangladesh, about 98% of people are known as native people, and 1.1% of people are
tribal and live in various places in Bangladesh.

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Identifying Distinctive Cultures and Communities:

1. Chakma:

Figure 1: The percentage of Chakma population by upazila Figure 2: Chakma People

flag

The Chakma people are the largest ethnic group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region in
southeastern Bangladesh, With a rich cultural heritage, the Chakma people have their own
language. They migrated to Bangladesh in the 15th century.
 Etymology: The name Chakma derives from the Sanskrit word saktimana, which
means powerful and great.
 Demography: Largest indigenous group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
 Locations: The Chakma population is estimated to be around 550,000. It is spread
over three different countries. The majority (approximately 300,000 people) are
located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. There are also about 80,000
Chakmas in Mizoram State in India, and 20,000 in Burma (Myanmar).
 History: The Chakma people have a rich and complex history that spans several
centuries. The Chakma, originating from the Indian subcontinent and Western
Myanmar are the largest ethnic group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.
Chakma oral History says they migrated to Arakan from the ancient kingdom of
Magadha in the present Bihar state of India.
 Language: The Chakmas originally spoke a language belonging to the Tibeto-
Burman family. The language was very similar to present-day Kachin and Burmese
languages.
 Religion: The vast majority of the Chakma are followers of Theravada Buddhism, a
religion that they have practiced for centuries. A minority of Chakmas practice
Christianity. According to a 2011 census report, 93,411 people follow Buddhism
in Mizoram, India. 7.3% are Christians or followers of other religious beliefs.
 Economy: The Chakma economy is primarily based on agriculture. They
traditionally practice shifting cultivation known by the local term Jhum. This is

4
 common in hill areas, where the slope of the land may be quite steep. Additionally,
Chakma women contribute by weaving distinctive fabrics to supplement family
income.
 Traditional Cloth: Chakma women wear Pinon Hadi. The piano and the hadi are
colorfully handwoven with various designs. The design is first embroidered on a
piece of cloth known as Alam. Chakma men wear Siluhm and Dudi as their
traditional outfits.
 Marriage: Polygynous marriages are permissible among the Chakma, although they
are less common today than in the past. Marriages are usually arranged by the
parents, but the opinions of potential spouses are considered.
 Ritual and Customs: One important ritual among the Chakma people is the “Biju”
ceremony, which is a coming-of-age ritual for young boys and girls. Another
important custom among the Chakma people is their traditional dance forms, such as
the "Hojagiri" dance, which is performed during festivals and special occasions. One
important custom among the Chakma people is their traditional dance forms, such as
the Chakma Jhum dance and the Chakma Biju dance.
 Food: Bamboo shoots are a traditional dish for the Chakma people, and they call
it Bhaz-chuu-ryi Shrimp Paste and fish paste are their traditional ingredients for
cooking, these are called sidol. (Wikipedia , 2024)

2. Pankho:
The Pankhos are a community inhabiting the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and also
in India with a population of only 3,227 in Bangladesh according to the 1991 census. In
Bangladesh, the Pankhos reside in Barkal in the Rangamati Hill District, which is close to
Mizoram. The Pankhoa, like many other ethnic groups in the region, have a rich cultural
heritage and history that is passed down through generations orally. Dr. Bokhtiar Ahmed, a
prominent anthropologist, has made significant contributions to the study of the Pankho
people. (Wikipedia , 2021)

Figure 3: Pankho girl weaving cloth

 Location: The Pankho tribe resides in the Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill
Tracts, with ancestral origins likely in Burma(Myanmar).

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  Language and Identity: They speak their own language, similar to Banajogis, with
no written form but a wealth of songs, especially love songs.
 Economy: Pankhos are farmers. The Jhum system of farming is still widely practiced
by them. Pankhos produce rice and other crops. But they also do the work of
procuring timber by felling trees in the forest. In all these works women take part
equally with men. Women also do the marketing. Like Burmese and Assamese tribal
women, Pankho women are hardworking and enjoy a special place in the family.
 Food: Rice is the staple food of Pankhos and wine is their main drink. Meat is their
favorite dish. Although they eat the meat of goats, pigs, dog, wild bulls, wildfowl,
etc., the flesh of tiger or cheetah is forbidden for them.
 Religion: The Pankhos adopted Christianity during the British period.
 Cloth: The dress of Pankhos is very simple. Men wear a piece of cloth similar to the
dhuti. Women wear a dress called Pirhan, A separate piece of cloth is tied on the upper
part of the body. These clothes are all woven at home.
 Culture and Beliefs: The unique culture of Pankhos has developed through a
combination of their religious beliefs, social customs and ceremonies, pujas, and
festivals. Dance and songs have nourished their culture. They are accustomed to
bamboo dance, flower dance, and some other special kinds of dances and songs.
(Banglapedia, 2021)

3. Monipuri:

Figure 4: Marriage ceremony of the Manipuris

Manipuri people in Bangladesh are an ethnic group who primarily reside in the Sylhet region
of the country. They have their own unique culture, language, and traditions that set them
apart from other communities in Bangladesh.
 Origin & Etymology: The ethnic group’s original home is Manipur, India with
names like Kyangleipak and Meitrabak. Manipuris migrated to the Bangladesh area

6
 and setteled here at different times due to wars, conflicts, and other socio-political
reasons.
 Location: According to the 1991 population census, there are approximately 25000
Manipuris in Bangladesh, with significant populations in Maulvi Bazar, Sylhet, and
Habiganj.
 Language: The Manipuri language, also known as Meitei, is a Tibeto-Burman
language.
 Religion: The Manipuri are very religious people, and are believed to have converted
to Hinduism in the sixteenth century. However, elements of their pre-Hindu religion
still remain today. They worship th e Hindu gods but also worship many other gods of
nature- the snake being one of them. The Manipuri people are also very superstitious
and often make their decisions by observing the positions of roosters‟ feet based upon
an old proverb, “All wisdom derives from a rooster‟s foot.”
 Economy: Manipuri’s economy is primarily agrarian, with women playing a
significant role in agriculture and local markets.
 Clothing: Traditional attire includes the Phanek for women and the Dhoti for men.
 Culture: Manipuri culture is vibrant, with dance being central. Rasa dance, innovated
by Maharaj Bhagyachandra is a notable form, and folk and classical dances are
integral to their traditions. (Banglapedia, 2021)

4.Santal:
Santals, are one of the major ethnic groups in Bangladesh. They have historical settlements in
various districts and their population was over two hundred thousand according to the 1991
census. Some believe that the Kherwars reached the land of Bengal immediately after the first
clashes with the invading Aryan tribes (2500 B. C.). (Duyker, 1987). With every probability,
the Santals landed in Bangladesh with their actual ethnic identity, not after 1000 B. C. It is
probable that the Santals were scattered throughout Bengal at the time of the Muslim invasion
of this region during the last decades of the twelfth century or at the beginning of the
thirteenth century.
 Origin: Indigenous tribe primarily residing in the northern districts of Bangladesh.
 Location: They are the largest tribe in Jharkhand and West Bengal in terms of
population and are also found in Odisha, Bihar, and Assam. In Bangladesh, they are
the largest ethnic minority in the northern regions of Rajshahi Division and Rangpur
Division.

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 Figure 5: Santal women

 Language: Santals speak Santali, which is the most widely spoken of the Munda
languages, part of the Austroasiatic language family.
 Religion: Sarnaism, an indigenous religion worshiping spirits of nature.
 Economy: Agriculture, traditional crafts and hunting.
 Social Organization: Tribal councils and village elders governing community affairs.
 Rituals and Customs: Sohrai festival, traditional music and dance. (Banglapedia,
2021)

5. Garo:
The Garo people are an indigenous community in Bangladesh, primarily residing in the
northern and eastern regions of the country. They have their own distinct language, culture,
and traditions. The Garo people are known for their vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and
intricate handwoven textiles.
 Location: The Garo number around 150,000 in Bangladesh, residing mainly in
districts of Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sherpur, and Jamalpur. They have a significant
presence in the Madhupur Tract area, which is known for its hilly terrain and forests.
(Banglapedia, 2021)

 Religion: The majority of Garo people practice a form of animistic religion known as
Songsarek. However, some Garo individuals have converted to Christianity,
particularly due to the influence of missionaries in the region.
 Language: The Garo people speak the Garo language, which is part of the Tibeto-
Burman language family. It is primarily spoken in the Garo Hills region and has
several dialects.
 Food: Rice is the staple food, with a preference for dried fish and vegetables. Dried
fish is their favorite dish.
 Culture: Culture: Garo culture is known for its vibrant traditional dances, music, and
festivals. The Nokma system, where village chiefs hold significant power and
authority, is a key aspect of the Garo social structure. The Garo people are also skilled
in crafts such as weaving, bamboo crafts, and pottery. (Wikipedia , 2024)

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 6. Oraon:

Oraon, the ethnic community of Bangladesh mainly living in the Varendra region. Also found
in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal in India. They have their
own unique culture, language, and traditions. The Oraons are known for their agriculture-
based livelihood, traditional music and dance forms, and elaborate rituals and festivals .

Figure 6: Oraon people struggling for survival

 Location: Predominantly in the Varendra region of Bangladesh, with populations

in Kurigram, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, and other districts.
 Religion: Worship natural objects and a creator named Dharami or Dharmesh, who
exists in the sun. They celebrate festivals like Dandakanta and have influences
from Hinduism.
 Language: They speak Kuruk, which has no written script but rich oral literature.
The society is divided into dialects Kuruk and Shadri.
 Dress: Traditional short dresses have evolved to lungi, dhuti, and modern attire
among the educated.
 Food: Staple food is rice, with a preference for various meats, fruits, and hard
drinks as part of traditional hospitality.
 Culture and Beliefs: Live in small, clean huts with thatched roofs and enjoy dance
and music with traditional instruments. They celebrate major festivals like sarhool,
Karam, paus utsab, khariani, faguna, and sohrai. They believe in the doctrine of
rebirth, perform rituals for departed souls, and have seen an increase in Christianity
among their community. (Banglapedia, 2021)

Lifestyle of Ethnic Minority Groups

The ethnic minority groups lead a colorful life style and they are engaged in various
professions and crafts. The maximum people considered agriculture as their profession and
they also love to work in land. The earliest lifestyles are also seen among most of the ethnic
group. The tribal women are more hard working than men. The indigenous people are highly
self-reliant. They lead a very miserable life. they are peace seeker and hospitable. In any

9
critical condition, they go forward with one another. The situation in the lifestyle is not
satisfactory at all. They follow the tribal kings.

Distinctive Features

Language: Bangladesh has two to three million tribal people speak their own languages. The
well-known tribal languages are Chakma, Garo, Khasia, Magh, Manipuri, Munda, Oraon, and
Santali. Other tribal languages are Kachhari, Kuki, Tipra, Malpahadi, Mikir, Shadri and
Hajang. Each of the tribal group has its own language. However, over the time some of the
languages have disappeared and some of the languages are also threatened. Most of the
indigenous people have accepted Bangla as their language as they forgot their own language.
The languages of these people are the intangible cultural heritage of Bangladesh and they
need to be safeguarded and preserved. Oraon, Chakma, Garo, Magh, Manipuri, Munda,
Hajang, Tipra and other languages are spoken by a large number of people. However, except
for Chakma and Magh, no other indigenous language has a script. Chakma language is more
the most advanced of the tribal languages. Some old puthis are extant in this language. he
alphabets of the Chakma language are similar to the alphabets of Thailand's Ksmer, Annam
Laos, Cambodia, Syam and South Burma. Tara, the scripture of the Chakmas, is written in
the Burmese script. When spoken, the Chakma alphabet has a soft sound. Then, Garo
language is, undoubtedly, an unwritten language. This is a very rich language and full of
proverbs, idioms, songs, rhymes, oral narratives, folk-tales, palagan, etc. This language bears
most of the history of the Garo people and their religious and cultural codes. Its vocabulary
contains words borrowed from many different languages. Khasia language is part of the
Austro-Asiatic group of languages. It has no alphabets nor is it written. Magh language is the
language of the Magh people. It a spoken form of Arakanese. It belongs to the Tibeto-
Burman family, but also contains some elements of the Austro-Asian family. Magh is a
hybrid of Arakanese and Bangla. The Magh language has a limited number of words to mean
relations. As a result, the same words are applied with derivatives to denote different
relations. Munda language belongs to the AustroAsian group of languages and is more
ancient than the Aryan language. It was the basis of the Oriya, Assamese and Bangla
languages. It has links with Khasia, Garo, Santal, Kol and other similar tribal languages.
Then another language is Oraon language. Oraon language is the language of the Oraon tribe.
This language is known as Kurukh. It is a spoken language and has no written form. Santali
language is a member of the eastern group of the Austro-Asiatic languages. The Santali
people speak Bangla fluently and have adopted many Bangla words for their own language.
The origin of both Santali and Munda languages is the same and both are interrelated. The
Santali language has two dialects - Nahili and Korku. The Santali language has no script of
its own.

Religion: While Islam is the dominant religion in Bangladesh, these communities practice
diverse faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous religions. This religious
pluralism adds depth to Bangladesh's cultural landscape.
Society: Social organization varies among communities, influenced by factors such as
kinship systems, land tenure, and traditional governance structures. For example, the
matrilineal society of the Garos contrasts with the patriarchal norms prevalent in other parts
of Bangladesh.

10
Baisabi Festival: Baisabi festival commonly celebrated as “Biju” by the Chakma and
Tanchyanga, “Shangrai” as Marmas and “Baisuk” by Tripuras — is the main social festival of
the tribal people in the hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari. Each tribe
has their own way of celebrating this festival. For example: Biju is celebrated for three
consecutive days by the Chakmas and Tanchyangas on the last two days of Chaitra and the
first day of Baishakh. They refrain themselves from killing any living creatures during this
festival. The last day of Chaitra is considered as the main festival day. On this special day
they cook a mixed curry with five types of vegetables, which they call Pachan. The Marinas
celebrate Shangrai for four days. They all carry the image of Lord Buddha to the river front
and set down the image on a floating bed. Afterwards, they complete the bathing of the image
in milk or sandalwood water and return with it to set it in the Temple or in their homes. In
every locality, the water throwing festival starts with people throwing water at each other so
that the previous year’s sorrow will be washed away. The Baisuk festival of the Tripura tribe
is celebrated by worshipping the god Shiva and asking for his blessings.
Kothin Chibar Dan Utsab: Kothin Chibor Dan’ is the greatest religious festival of the
Buddhist community where ‘viksus’ are given ‘chibor’ or cloth to wear which the Buddhists
believe as the best of all gifts. Chibor, the cloth that viksus wear, may be of any six colors:
those of a tree’s roots, trunk, bark, dry leaves, fruit or flower. This utsab or festival is
celebrated with religious fervor at Rangamati Rajban Bihara in the Rangamati hill district.
Buddhist community from all three hill districts as well many visitors and tourists from home
and abroad gather at Rangamati Rajban Bihara area to participate in the festival. The
elaborated schedule of this program includes Buddha puja, Ful puja, Sibli puja, feeding the
monks, astaporiskardan, taking Panchshil and Astashil and praying for world peace.
Customs and Rituals: Each community celebrates unique customs and rituals, reflecting
their cultural heritage and worldview. These rituals often revolve around agricultural cycles,
ancestral veneration, and community solidarity.
Weeding: Wedding is also very colorful occasion though there are many differences in the
rites of various groups. However, the marriage takes place mostly on the basis of love
matches, the boy and girl get to know each other before wedding through various means.
Marriage generally takes place within the same tribe. There are some common rituals before
marriage like Panchini or confirmation of the wedding, and Gaye Halud or using turmeric
paste on the bodies of both groom and bride. Songs are rendered on the day of wedding.
Where the wedding takes place a colorful pandle is set up and in it the bride and groom go
through a number of rituals. At this time special songs are rendered and music played. Special
foods are offered in the names of gods during the wedding ceremony to bring blessings for
the couple. The bride and groom wear special dresses on the wedding day. Sumptuous feasts
are arranged to mark the wedding.
Material Culture: Traditional attire, architecture, cuisine, and crafts showcase the distinct
material cultures of these communities, highlighting their creativity, craftsmanship, and
connection to the environment. (Wikipedia , 2024)

Challenges

11
Despite cultural richness, these communities face many challenges, including
marginalization, discrimination, land disputes, and limited access to education and healthcare.
Additionally, globalization and modernization pose threats to traditional livelihoods and
cultural practices, leading to cultural erosion and identity crises.

 Land Rights: Ethnic communities in Bangladesh often face challenges related to land
rights and land ownership. Encroachment on traditional lands, forced displacement
due to development projects, and lack of legal recognition of indigenous land rights
are significant issues that impact the livelihoods and cultural practices of ethnic
groups. “We were fooled and cheated out of our own lands. These days we don’t have
the proper ownership of our lands. I can’t sell my land because my papers and
documents aren’t ready.” — SANTAL MAN FROM RAJSHAHI (International
Republican Institute , 2022)

 Marginalization and Discrimination: Ethnic minorities in Bangladesh often

experience marginalization and discrimination in various aspects of society, including
education, employment, healthcare, and access to public services. Discriminatory
practices based on ethnicity can hinder social mobility and economic opportunities for
ethnic communities. A Garo woman from Mymensingh said teachers insult Garo
students. “They think that we don’t have any brains,” she said.
 Language and Cultural Preservation: The preservation of ethnic languages and
cultural traditions is a critical challenge for many ethnic groups in Bangladesh.
Assimilation pressures, lack of educational resources in indigenous languages, and
cultural erosion due to external influences pose threats to the continuity of traditional
knowledge and practices.
 Political Representation: Ethnic minorities in Bangladesh often face challenges in
terms of political representation and participation. Limited representation in decision-
making bodies, lack of recognition of indigenous governance systems, and inadequate
political empowerment hinder the ability of ethnic communities to advocate for their
rights and interests.
 Socio-economic Inequality: Ethnic communities in Bangladesh often experience
higher levels of poverty, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and
disparities in economic opportunities compared to the majority population. Socio-
economic inequality exacerbates existing challenges and contributes to the
marginalization of ethnic groups. Ethnic minorities also face mockery. Santals are
ridiculed for their dark skin. Garos for their Asian facial features. Manipuri woman
from Sylhet said, “We have to face many things in the battle of life. It seems to me
that we are underestimated.” A Santal man from Dinajpur explained, “Mentality
depends on our religion …. When God sent me to this Earth, did he tell me, ‘Rathin,7
you are a Santal, so I have created you differently?” He continued, asking of those
who discriminate based on religion and ethnicity, “What’s the problem? Is it with my
face or your heart?”
 Conflict and Violence: Tensions over land, resources, and political representation
can lead to conflicts between ethnic communities and other groups in Bangladesh.
Instances of violence, displacement, and human rights abuses have been reported in
areas where ethnic minorities reside, posing significant challenges to their safety and
well-being. (International Republican Institute , 2022)

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Insights on Diversity

An ethnic group is composed of members of a particular culture in a nation or region that

contains others. Ethnicity is based on actual, perceived, or assumed cultural similarities
(among members of the same ethnic group) and differences (between that group and others).
Ethnic distinctions can be based on language, religion, history, geography, kinship, or race.
(Kottak, 2015) Studying these diverse cultures and communities offers insights into the
difficulties of societal dynamics in Bangladesh. It highlights the significance of promoting
cultural preservation, social insertion, and equitable development to ensure the well-being
and cultural continuity of ethnic groups. Learning from the course ANT101, I emphasize the
need to preserve and celebrate this rich cultural tapestry while addressing the challenges
faced by marginalized groups. The government needs to take more concrete steps and
development initiatives for confidence building among the ethnic communities of the hill
districts. Recently, the government has undertaken various development projects that were
resisted by the ethnic groups. Concerning the situations of the ethnic minorities living both in
the plains and the hill districts, calls for some initiatives that include settlement of the issue of
land rights through special legal means keeping the age-old practice of land entitlements of
the ethnic groups. They should be given livelihood support, especially by the government to
raise their standard of living. The other non-government actors should also come forward in a
bigger way to provide different services to these ethnic communities. The government should
also take active initiatives to preserve their languages. This will help in preserving many of
the languages. Here, it may be noted that in recent years the government has published school
books in the language of some of the ethnic minorities. This initiative needs to cover all
ethnic groups, large or small so that their right in this particular area could be safeguarded.
The other important aspect that also falls under human rights is the preservation of culture
and heritage. In this area, various promotional measures are to be taken so that the rich and
unique cultural heritage of different ethnic minorities, living both in the plains and the hills,
could be preserved. This will strengthen our rich and tolerant cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Cultural diversity is about appreciating that society is made up of many different groups with
different interests, skills, talents, and needs. It also means that we recognize that people in
society can have differing religious beliefs and sexual orientations. A person's culture may
include their race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation,
nationality, language, religion, political affiliation, and socioeconomic background.
Additionally, cultural norms may be influenced by these differences, such as peer and social
group interactions and family or community values. Bangladesh's cultural diversity extends
far beyond its dominant Bengali population, encompassing a myriad of ethnic groups and
communities with unique languages, religions, customs, and traditions. Embracing this
diversity fosters a sense of inclusivity and mutual respect, enriching the nation's cultural
tapestry and strengthening its social fabric. By addressing the challenges faced by
marginalized communities and promoting their cultural preservation and empowerment,
Bangladesh can harness the full potential of its multicultural identity for a more prosperous
and harmonious future.

13
 References:

Figure 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chakma_Flag.jpg

Figure 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_Chakma_People_in_Bangladesh.png

Figure 3: https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=File:Pangkhoa.jpg

Figure 4:

https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=File:MonipuriMarrage.jpg

Figure 6:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Santal_people_Jharkhand_India.jpg

1. (Banglapedia, 2021)

https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Santals,_The

2. (Banglapedia, 2021)

https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Manipuri,_The

3. (Wikipedia , 2024)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santal_people

4. https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Pankho,_The
5. https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Garo,_The
6. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-
maps/oraons#:~:text=The%20Oraons%20(Uraons)%20are%20one,Konkan%20coast
%20of%20South%20India.
7. (International Republican Institute , 2022)

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 https://www.iri.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/bangladesh-plainland-1_2.pdf

8. https://www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/ijafr/article/download/743/854/
9. https://www.daily-sun.com/post/383942/Ethnic-Minorities-in-Bangladesh-and-Their-
Human-Rights
10. (Kottak, 2015)
11. Festivals. (n.d.). Retrieved from Tribal Life in Bangladesh.

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