The US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday celebrated Bangladesh’s “vibrant indigenous community” with a series of half-day programmes including community expo and panel discussion at the American Club.

The event was hosted to support the embassy's commitment to respect inclusion and showcase Bangladesh’s rich cultural diversity.

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“It reflects our understanding of this great diversity here in Bangladesh that we often are not exposed to,” said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas in his opening remarks.

He thanked their “diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility group” at the embassy who came up with this idea of celebrating Bangladesh’s “indigenous” culture.

“I have to admit that we in the United States do not have a proud history of how we have handled our relations with our indigenous people. That is something we have recognized being a shortcoming and that is something we are working hard to address,” said Ambassador Haas.

The expo hosted over 60 representatives from 10 different “indigenous” groups to celebrate the contributions of Bangladesh’s small ethnic minorities to the nation.

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The Ambassador enjoyed the cultural performances and took a tour to different booths at the expo. “I am excited to see cultural performances and visit the booths and learn more about the incredible diversity here in Bangladesh,” he added.

Indigenous human rights defender and women’s rights activist in Bangladesh Rani Yan Yan, who was named among the winners of Global Anti-Racism Champions Awards 2023, among others, joined a panel discussion.

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The speakers said diversity is an asset for any country and it should be celebrated. They laid emphasis on promoting their rights and culture.

The US recognizes and celebrates the vibrant cultures, languages, and legacies of Indigenous peoples across the world, and expresses their appreciation for their continued and lasting contributions to the wellbeing of the planet.

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken recently said they have a collective responsibility to foster a more inclusive global society in which Indigenous peoples achieve their aspirations and are invited to contribute their expertise to help shape a safer, healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable world for all peoples.