Staff Reporter :
A controversy has erupted over the use of the word “indigenous” in the Bangla Grammar and Construction textbook for 9th and 10th classes in the current academic year.
Students of Dhaka University (DU) have protested, labeling the inclusion of this word in textbooks as “treason” and demanding its immediate removal.
The student organisation Students for Sovereignty surrounded the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) in Motijheel, Dhaka on Sunday to press their demands.
The protest ended in the afternoon after NCTB officials, including Curriculum Member Robiul Kabir Chowdhury, assured them that their demands would be addressed.
Additionally, the protesting students demanded the removal of Rakhal Raha, also known as Sazzad, from the textbook revision and editing committee, as well as the resignation of the NCTB chairman.
Students for Sovereignty Central Convener Muhammad Ziaul Haque Zia stated during the protest that the inclusion of the word “indigenous” in textbooks is highly objectionable, unwarranted, unconstitutional, and a treasonous act.
He argued that it promotes separatism, as only separatists and their domestic and international sponsors advocate recognizing ethnic minorities in Bangladesh as “indigenous” to advance their agenda for a separate state.
He explained that if ethnic minorities are established as “indigenous,” it could pave the way for the separation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the creation of a new independent state, “Jumland.”
He alleged that separatists and their allies within the NCTB were responsible for including the term “indigenous” in the textbook. He urged the government to form an investigative committee to identify, remove, and punish these individuals, describing them as threats to the country’s sovereignty and unity.
The students presented five key demands:
1. Immediate removal of the treasonous word “indigenous” from textbooks, elimination of all religious tree symbols from the imaginary map of Greater India, dismissal of Rakhal Raha ( Sazzad) for anti-national values and the resignation of the NCTB chairman and others involved in the inclusion of the term “indigenous.” A committee should investigate those responsible and take action against them.
2. Ethnic minorities (non-Bengalis) must not be referred to as “indigenous” in speeches, books, creative works, or any medium. Only Bengalis should be constitutionally recognised as the indigenous people of Bangladesh.
3. A government directive should declare the use and promotion of the term “indigenous” for ethnic minorities as a treasonous crime.
4. Stop accepting funding from international organizations or NGOs in the education sector under the guise of educational improvement, as it hands over control of education to imperialist forces and sells the intellect of students.
5. To protect the country’s sovereignty, all policies related to education, curriculum development and textbook revision must be free from the influence of foreign organizations or individuals. The representation and advice of Students for Sovereignty must be included in these processes.
