The removal of graffiti containing the word ‘indigenous’ from the textbook and the ongoing violent attacks on aggrieved indigenous student

Is NCTB a rehabilitation center for authoritarianism? The government's statement is timely, but not enough: TIB

Press Release

Dhaka, 17 January 2025: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has voiced profound concern over the National Curriculum and Textbook Board's (NCTB) decision to remove the graffiti containing the word “Adibashi” (indigenous) from the back cover of textbooks of class 9 and 10. By doing this NCTB has proved itself as a collaborator and sanctuary of the fallen authoritarianism. The decision, followed by the violent attacks on peaceful indigenous protesters, represents a betrayal of the vision and aspirations of the anti-discriminatory Bangladesh catalyzed by blood-scripted anti-discrimination movement led by students and common people. TIB has called for NCTB to be held accountable and overhauled to release it from the clutches of authoritarianism. TIB considers the government's press statement issued yesterday as timely but called upon the government to clarify its stance specific to the issue of recognition of identity of the indigenous people of Bangladesh as indigenous communities having equal rights-based dignity.

According to media reports, the NCTB removed the graffiti representing equality of all diverse people including the indigenous communities from the back cover of the textbook in response to the demand of a vested group. Criticizing NCTB’s decision as a despicable attempt to perpetuate the agenda of authoritarianism, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated, “this decision by the NCTB proves that despite the fall of the 15-year authoritarian regime in Bangladesh, authoritarian practices within NCTB remain unchanged. Moreover, the logical question is whether the NCTB is actually conspiring to perpetuate the agenda of fallen authoritarianism?’

TIB Executive Director also stated that “it should not be unknown to NCTB and those who oppose the eternal aspirations and demands of indigenous to identify themselves as indigenous, nor to the government, that the ridiculous theory that the term “indigenous” cannot be used in Bangladesh was invented by the ousted authoritarian regime. This narrative was fuelled by vested quarters seeking to contain the widespread national and international criticism against violations of rights of the indigenous communities. It was part of this frivolous propaganda to mislead the people of Bangladesh and the international community that they discovered the baseless claim that ‘there are no indigenous people in Bangladesh.’ They didn’t want to accept the reality that the length of stay of a community in a particular region is not the determining factor for it to be known as indigenous. They didn’t deliberately realize that indigenous are such communities outside the mainstream majority people who sustain their own traditional, cultural, customary and ancestral environments and systems as distinctive communities. If NCTB is unaware of this internationally acceptable concept of indigenous community, it is embarrassing for itself. Not only that, it reflects nothing but authoritarian practice of the fallen regime that they removed the graffiti in collusion with vested interests and without any consideration of implications in consultation with relevant stakeholders and experts. This act not only directly contradicts the aspirations of an inclusive, discrimination-free ‘New Bangladesh,’ achieved at the cost of unprecedented bloodshed and sacrifice, but also a betrayal of those very ideals.”

Dr. Zaman further said, “Yesterday's government press release clearly reiterated the position that violence, ethnic hatred and bigotry have no place in Bangladesh. A strong warning has also been issued that there will be no leniency in holding to account those acting against unity, peace, and law and order. We welcome this timely statement. Yet we are concerned that the term ‘indigenous’ is not explicitly used in the government statement to refer to the peacefully protesting indigenous students. This contradicts with the use of term indigenous by the Chief Adviser during his address to the Nation on 25 August 2024. If this contradiction is by choice, shouldn't it be taken to represent persistence of authoritarian narrative and agenda in this regard? We call on the government to determine and clarify its position on the issue based on unbiased understanding of the term ‘indigenous’ and following the relevant international practices. We are making the same call to all other stakeholders who oppose the use of the term indigenous. The vision of a discrimination-free Bangladesh can be achieved not solely thanks to the fall of 15-year of authoritarian regime. Fundamental changes are indispensable in the authoritarian mindset and agenda, as well as the practice of forcible imposition of the same.”

Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org


Press Release