By Rita Bhowmick (Dhaka Bureau)Land, traditional rights, and unique cultural heritage form the cornerstone of existence for indigenous communities. These demands were highlighted during a national seminar titled ‘Indigenous Peoples: Respect for Life, Land Rights, and Culture’, held on Thursday (August 6) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital, marking International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Urgent Appeal for Customary Land Rights and Enforcement of ‘Section 97’Speakers at the seminar emphasized that without legal recognition of customary land rights, indigenous communities face constant threats of eviction and land loss. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), stated- ‘Indigenous peoples must be granted constitutional recognition without controversy. Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Indigenous Forum, remarked that the government’s vision of an inclusive, non-discriminatory ‘rainbow nation’ cannot be realized while excluding indigenous peoples.