National minorities of Sylhet on Sunday alleged that most of the social and cultural activities practised by them as a part of their livelihood have been defined as crime in the draft Forest Act (Amendment) 2010.
Addressing a press briefing at the National Press Club, leaders of Greater Sylhet Indigenous Peoples Forum said that such definition could be misused by the concerned authorities as the act does not respect century-old distinct social custom, culture and livelihood of the minorities.
GSIPF president Pidison Pradhan alleged that the government did not consult with the national minorities before drafting the act.
He also pointed out that as Bangladesh is one of the signatories to Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention-1957, the government should have arranged a meeting with the national minorities before making the draft.
Answering a question, Pidision said, 'We voluntarily asked the government to sit in a meeting. But the government did not pay heed to our demand. Without necessary amendment in particular sections, the act will hamper our total social and cultural system.'
Stressing the need for 'clear explanation' on the Act, the minority leaders placed several demands including immediate arrangement of a meeting with the national minorities and curtail the authority of the forest officers as envisaged the draft act.
Khasi Social Council president GP Suchiyang, secretary Phila Patmi and Bangladesh Monipuri Somaj Kallyan Samity vice-president Ananda Mohan Sinha, among others, also spoke at the briefing.
Source : New Age
