Dhaka, Nov 02 (bdnews24.com)—Parliament saw a bill tabled Monday for recognition, protection and preservation by the state of the cultural heritages of at least 25 ethnic minority and indigenous groups living in Bangladesh.

Culture minister Abul Kalam Azad placed the Ethnic Minorities Cultural Centres Bill 2009' in parliament and it was sent to the parliamentary standing committee on cultural affairs for further examination for three weeks.

If passed, the new law would upgrade seven existing indigenous cultural organisations—in Birishiri, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, Rajshahi and Molvibazar—to cultural centres.

The proposed law would also support future centres, both independent and government ones created by official gazette.

An executive council, comprising members from the indigenous and ethnic groups, representatives from the cultural affairs ministry, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs ministry, a panel of eminent persons and director of the institutions concerned, will be formed to supervise the activities of the respective centres.

The council's tenure will be three years.

The bill was approved by the cabinet in August.

The bill listed 25 ethnic minority groups whose cultural heritages will be preserved. They are: Chakmas, Marmas, Tripura, Mro, Bawm, Tangchangya, Pankhowa, Chak, Khiyang, Khumi, Lusais, Koach, Santal, Dalu, Usai, Rakhaine, Monipuri, Garo, Hajong, Khasi, Mong, Orao, Borman, Pahari, and Malpaharis.

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