Shekorer Konthoshor-Voices from the Roots

Direction and Editing: Zhantu Chakma
Content Editor: Saimum Parvez

Supported by :ILO
Orgamized by: Road to Unity for Development and Opportunities(RUDO)

Bangladesh i shome to around 45 indigenous groups,each with distinctive language, culture and heritage.They are located predominantly in the north and south eastern parts of the country,with the largest concentration found in Chittagong Hill Tracts(CHT), greater North Bengal, greater Mymensingh,Sylthet and costal regions.
This documentary depictsthe various ground realities of the indigenous people of Bangladesh in relation to rights to land,education, language,culture,employment and food security,poverty and deprivation and access to information.As a sign of commitment towards the indigenous and tribal populations,the Government of Bangladesh(GoB) ratified the ILO Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Populations(convention no;107) in 1972.According to ILO Convention 107 and Convention 169(updated version of C107) special measures must be taken for indigenous people in order to ensure equal rfooting with the national mainstream, while at the same time allowing them to maintain their distinct cultures, values, lifestyles.
The documentary identifies the gaps and loopholes in the implementation of the principles of those conventions.The Flim ends with a plea from an indigenous woman from aremote village, who urges indigenous people of Bangladesh to unite and fight for their rights.