*Garos:
The Garos, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Bangladesh, live in the deep forests of Madhupur in the greater Mymensingh district, in forested areas and in the hills of the Garo Hills. Besides, some Garos can be seen in Netrokona, Tangail and Sunamganj areas. Anthropologists think they are a branch of the Mongol ethnic group. The Garos prefer to identify themselves as the people of Achchik Mandi i.e. the hill people. However, those who live in the plains only identify as mandi. The social system of the Garos is matriarchal. The name of the language of the Garos is Achchik language. However, the language of the Garos living in the plains is different, their language is called Mandi language. The Garos believe in a distinct religion and religious beliefs are at the heart of their cultural festivals and rituals. The biggest religious and social festival of the Garos is the Nabanna or Wangala festival.
*Rakhine:
The Rakhine community is basically an ethnic group in Myanmar. Rakhines live in parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rangamati and Bandban districts. Rakhine are commonly known as Mugs. Rakhine are Buddhists. As a result, their main festivals are- Buddha's birth anniversary celebration, Baishakhi full moon, Maghi full moon etc. In addition, the Rakhine celebrate the 3-day Sangrai festival in a very pompous manner. Men like to wear lungi, fatwa and women like to wear lungi, blouse, ornaments and flowers on their head. In Rakhine marriages, it is customary for men to pay dowry.
*Manipuri:
The original home of the Manipuris is in the Indian state of Manipur. They came and took refuge in greater Sylhet during the Burma-Manipur war. Manipuris are also found in Brahmanbaria and Mymensingh. Due to linguistic and religious differences, the Manipuri community is divided into three separate sub-groups. (1) Bishnupriya, (2) Maitai, (3) Pangan. According to SIL International statistics of 2003, there are a total of 40,000 Bishnupriya Manipuris and 15,000 Maitai Manipuris in Bangladesh. The culture of Manipuris is very rich and traditional. Especially Manipuri dance is internationally acclaimed. Raspurnima is the biggest festival of Manipuris.
*Hajong:
Among the small ethnic groups of Bangladesh, a significant Hajong community is found in Netrokona district. Ha means soil and rust means insects. In fact, they are named Hajong because of their affinity with agriculture. About 3000 Hajongs live in Bangladesh. They have occupied a significant place in history by leading movements like Hajong Rebellion, Tebhaga Movement etc. Hajongs have their own language. The biggest festival of Hajong is 'Pak Khela' festival. Some of them are Buddhists and some of them are Christians. Apart from rice, fish and vegetables, young bamboo powder or meowa is their favorite food.
*Sautals:
The Sautals are one of the largest indigenous groups in East India and Bangladesh. Sautals live in North Bengal of Bangladesh, especially in Dinajpur and Rangpur. The Sautal community is again divided into 12 sub-tribes. They live in small mud houses. The main occupation of the Sautals is agriculture. Bonga is the chief deity of the Santals. They basically worship the sun. Sohrai is the name of the annual festival of the Sautals. Sautal girls dance in groups in this festival. The main food of the Sautals is rice. The Sautals also like to eat fish, crabs, pigs, chickens, rabbits, guisaps, rats and beji. They have a special place in history due to the Santal Rebellion.
*Khasias:
Khasias live in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. They prefer to stay in the deep forests adjacent to the Indian border. The Khasias living in Bangladesh belong to the Sinteng tribe. The Khasias are mainly farmers. They cultivate betel in deep forests. Due to the matriarchal society, women get married and bring grooms to their homes. Women also gain ownership of property.
*Other:
Apart from the mentioned communities, some other small ethnic groups like Tripura, Khyang, Munda, Chuck, Lusai etc. live in Bangladesh.
*The present situation of the minorities:
Although in the past these minorities were oppressed and persecuted in various ways at the hands of the majority, but now the situation has changed. At present, the government is taking various steps including special quotas for small ethnic groups, vocational education assistance and is playing an effective role in making this backward community progress in education and culture. Indigenous communities now make a living not only by farming but also by getting higher education and working in respectable positions. Besides, special facilities are being provided to them in order to bring them forward in all fields like business, politics, industry-culture etc.
Minority ethnic groups living in Bangladesh are citizens of this country. So it is our national responsibility to show respect to them and preserve their culture, history, heritage. If some initiatives are taken now, their history, heritage, customs, way of life, etc. need to be researched on a wider scale and appropriate and effective steps should be taken to preserve them.
