Raja Devashish Roy, the Chakma Chief and former Vice Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), recently sat down with Dev Kumar Sunuwar for the Hammer Show on Indigenous Television and ITV Nepal. In the exclusive interview, Roy discussed the unique challenges and opportunities facing indigenous peoples in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of customary law and self-governance in protecting their rights and traditions.
Roy, who leads the Chakma Circle, a semi-autonomous indigenous territory in Bangladesh, highlighted the historical struggle for recognition and autonomy. He explained how the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord of 1997, which ended a 20-year guerilla war, promised limited self-governance to the indigenous communities in the region. However, many of the accord's provisions remain unfulfilled, leaving the Chakma people and other indigenous groups marginalized.
"There is insufficient understanding among mainstream politicians and civil servants about our history, our constitutional history, and our political history," Roy stated, pointing to a lack of awareness as a key obstacle to achieving full rights and recognition.
Roy drew parallels between the struggles of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh and Nepal, suggesting that Nepali communities could learn from the Bangladeshi experience in advocating for customary law. He praised Bangladesh's relative success in recognizing customary law related to family matters, land, and natural resources, urging Nepal to consider similar measures to strengthen community-based resource management.
The Chakma Chief also underscored the crucial role of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. He emphasized the deep connection between indigenous spirituality and environmental stewardship, citing examples of traditional practices that promote sustainable resource use and conservation. Roy called for greater recognition of indigenous knowledge within the global climate change discourse, advocating for alternative approaches to knowledge documentation that respect oral traditions and worldviews.
Roy concluded the interview with a message of hope and solidarity for indigenous peoples in Nepal and around the world. He encouraged them to utilize existing constitutional provisions to assert their rights and participate in governance, while urging governments to be more sensitive to the unique needs and concerns of indigenous communities.
"Customary law is a very important tool for indigenous peoples," Roy asserted. "It is inclusive, democratic, flexible, and time-tested. In the environmental world and in sustainable use of forests and other lands, I think the states would do well to be more respectful to customary laws."
This interview provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights in Bangladesh and beyond. Roy's eloquent advocacy for customary law, self-governance, and recognition of indigenous knowledge systems serves as a powerful call to action for governments, researchers, and communities alike.