They made the call at a day-long discussion meeting held at Barandra Unnayan Forum auditorium marking the International Indigenous Day. A book titled Adibashi Swa Shason (indigenous self-governance) was formally released at the meeting. The programme was organised by the Adibashi Sanskritic Unnayan Songsta (ASUS).

They said indigenous people are being stripped of their right to enjoy natural resources in hills in different areas in the name of social afforestation and Eco Park and urged the government to include them in those through consultation.

Eminent literatteur Prof Hassan Azizul Haque was present as chief guest at the discussion meeting, chaired by ASUS Executive Director Rajkumar Shaw.

Nayem Hassan, member of the Center for Policy Dialog, a thinktank, National Adivasi Parishad President Anail Marandi, its general sectary Rabandranath Saran, Songkolpo (a local NGO) Executive Director Everest Hemrom, Adivasi Unnayan Sanghtha Executive Director Bhagavat Tudu, Swa Unnayan (NGO) Executive Director Mustafizur Rahman Khan and Rajshahi Protect Movement Council Convener Jamat Khan also spoke at the meeting.

The speakers urged the indigenous peoples to unite to realise their rights and resist encroachment on their lands by local influential leaders.

They also demanded quota for indigenous people in education and government jobs.