They said the United Nations recognised indigenous people's rights in 1994, but the reality is a bit different in Bangladesh.

The press conference was organised jointly by Bangladesh Adibashi Forum and Bangladesh Adibashi Odhikar Andolon at the National Press Club in the city.

The speakers demanded immediate implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, recognition of their traditional ownership of land, and cancellation of setting up eco-parks in places where indigenous people live.

They urged the government to recognise indigenous people's right to have their primary education in mother tongue.

In a written statement at the press conference General Secretary of Bangladesh Adibashi Forum Sanjib Drong said rights of indigenous people are recognised by every country of the world.

"With high hopes, leaders of indigenous people signed the peace treaty with the government in 1997, now ten years have passed and it is yet to be implemented," he lamented.

Due to non-implementation of the treaty, development activities in the area are being hampered, he added.

He said to establish good governance in Chittagong Hill Tracts there is no alternative to fullest implementation of the treaty.

Demanding cancellation of establishing eco-parks in Madhupur forest area and other parts of the country, Sanjib said indigenous people's right to live peacefully should not be sacrificed under any circumstances.

He also urged the government to observe the International Indigenous Day on August 9 nationally and announced their eight-day-long programme to observe the day.

The programme will be inaugurated at the Senate Building of Dhaka University on August 3 by holding a rally on the campus.

On August 4, they will organise cultural programme and exhibition of indigenous arts, crafts and foods.

On August 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 19 they will organise seminars and view exchange meetings with different professional groups.

This year, the theme of the day is 'Indigenous people's right to their mother tongue and culture'.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Adibashi Odhikar Andolon Prof Mesbah Kamal, General Secretary of Jatiya Adibashi Parishad Rabindranath Soren, former president of Hill Women's Federation Chaitali Tripura and Prof Shourav Tripura of linguistics department at Dhaka University were present at the press conference.