Leaders of the indigenous people raised a 10-point demand at a press conference in the city yesterday on the eve of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

The demands include autonomy and constitutional recognition, immediate implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts peace agreement, traditional land use rights of the indigenous people, formation of a separate ministry for the plain land

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indigenous people, immediate cancellation of the Modhupur National Park project and primary education in mother language.

Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma popularly known Shantu Larma, chairman of the CHT Regional Council and president of the Bangladesh Indigenous People's Forum (BIPF), read out a statement at the press conference organised by the BIPF.

The leaders at the press conference at the residence of Shantu Larma in Banani asked the government to implement the demands of the indigenous people.

The United Nations has announced 30 points for the indigenous people. But in Bangladesh, neither of those is maintained properly. Most of the indigenous people live from hand to mouth and with a fear of being evicted by the non-indigenous people, the speakers said.

On the theme 'Ensure the Security of Indigenous Women' the BIPF will stage different programmes at Central Shaheed Minar and at Dhaka University auditorium tomorrow.

Sanjeeb Drong, secretary general of the BIPF, Rupayan Dewan, vice president of Jana Sanghati Samity, Albert Mankhin, a researcher of tribal life, Govinda Barman and Radhanath Kastriyo were also present at the press conference.