Indigenous people in Bangladesh – Stamps of Bangladesh 2010

The Indigenous people of Bangladesh refer to the ethnic minorities in Southeastern,northeastern, north central and north western regions of the Country. These are areas in Chittagong Hill Tracts,Sylhet, rajshahi & Mymensing Divisions. Therenumber was almost 2 million in 2010 and  are of Tibetan,Burmese, Dravidian origins.Most of them are Buddhists or Hindus by faith while some are Christians and animistics.

Bangladesh issued a set of 20 Stamps featuring the Culture,Dress,Occupation, Customs and Festivals.

Chakmas – It is the largest tribe in Bangladesh.  Buddhism is their religion and tribal Chief is known as Chakma Raja. Have their own Language ,Culture,tradition and history.Women wear pinon and khadi (handmade) and men dhuti, They practice Jhum cultivation (shifting farming).Migrated to Bangladesh in 15th Century.

Marma – The second largest ethnic group in Bangladesh and they are of   Burmese ancestry.Arakanese emperor invaded the south eastern region of Bangladesh and Marmas have been established since then. Follow Burmese script and language, Buddhism is the religion ,Follow Buddhist Lunar calendar,lower part of dress is thumbi and upper part is angi,musical instruments similar to ancestral heritage like kappya,jjea and kharra.

Mro or Mru – Original inhabitants of Chittagong Hill Tracts where they migrated from  Arakan in 14th-15th Century. No written language but some can speak and read Burmese and Bangla scripts. Buddhism is main religion but religious practices are mainly animistic.

Tripura – Originally belonged to Tripura Kingdom and after India’s independence some were inhabiting the Chittagong hill tracts  and plains of Bangladesh and continued .Culture ,language ,customs similar to Tripura State language is called Kokborok.

Pangkhua – In hill tracts of ChiiINDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN BANGLADESHtagong Hills. No written language but use Mizo ( Lushai) literature.

A Setof Four First day Covers with Five stamps each are listed.