Anjum Anam –
Bangladesh is home to at least 54 indigenous communities speaking more than 36 languages. The ethnic minorities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (southeastern), Sylhet Division (northeastern), Rajshahi Division (west), and Mymensingh Division (north-central) regions of Bangladesh are referred to as “Indigenous minorities of Bangladesh”.
The total population of these ethnic minorities in Bangladesh was estimated to be around 1.6 million or 1.8 percent of the total population as per the 2011 consensus. Yet, the country’s indigenous people assert that there are about 5 million of them, as depicted in the book “Political Economy of Unpeopling of Indigenous Peoples: The Case of Bangladesh” by Abul Barkat.
There are several different ethnic groups here, including Austric, Dravidian, and Tibeto-Burman people. These indigenous people are different from the rest of the population in terms of social organization, marital practices, birth and death rites, diet, and other social customs. No matter how small, each indigenous group has its own unique culture and history.
List of Indigenous Peoples as Recognized in The Laws of Bangladesh (HDC Acts 1989, CHTRC Act 1998, ESTB Act) and Mentioned in The Official Census of 1991:
List of Peoples Claiming to be Indigenous Peoples but Remaining Unrecognized by Law:
Location and Demographic Distribution of Indigenous People in Bangladesh:
Language Groups of Indigenous People in Bangladesh:
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Austro-Asiatic – Santal, Bhumij, Munda, Kole, Bashphor, Sabar, Khasia, Kharia
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Indo-Aryan – Chakma, Mal Pahari, Bhil, Pulinda, Tanchangya, Hajong, Bagdi, Bishnupriya, Rajbangshi
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Sino-Tibetan – Marma, Tripura, Garo, Mru, Bawm, Pankhu, Chak, Khaing, Khumi, Lusai, Koch, Dalu, Kuki, Manipuri, Rakhine, Barman, Pangal, Moringa, Patro, Kaibarta, Mogh, Reang, Tipra
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Dravidian – Oraon, Paharia, Khond, Gond
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Others – Kora, Laura, Kherowar, Mikir, Shadri, Kachari, Ganju, Sinteng, Laleng, Malo, Mahato, Kolkama, Hari, Pato, Bede, Bindi, Korait, Gurkha, Tali, Banai, Boraik, Mahali, Bhuimali, Musohor, Rajowar, Lohar, Hudi, Ho, Kurukh, Turi, Kurmi, Bedia, Keyat, Zo, Chin, Malto, Been, Shauria, Mahle, Bauri, Jayantia, Aowe, Rohingya, Keot, Nepa, Pol, Bonaj, Barua
Majority Religion:
Buddhist – Chakma, Marma, Mru, Khaing, Chak, Barua, Paharia, Mogh, Rakhine, Tanchangya
Hindu – Beens, Bishnupriya, Bonaz, Rajbanshi, Bhumij, Kaibarta, Munda, Kora, Sabar, Mahle, Santal, Hajong, Laleng, Monipuri, Patra, Tripura, Mal Pahari, Oraon, Bashphor
Christian – Garo, Bawm, Lusai, Pankho, Khasi, Kharia, Jaintia, Khyang, Zo, Chin, Kuki, Mizo
Muslim – Kan, Pangal, Laura
