Online Desk  :  A series of clashes erupted between two student groups in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) office at Motijheel in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. The conflict stemmed from a ninth- and tenth-grade Bengali grammar textbook cover, which featured an illustration with the word “Adibasi” (Indigenous) written on one of five leaves of a tree. The other leaves were labeled Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist, alongside a caption that read, “Do not tear the leaves.”

Following the inclusion of the term “Adibasi” (indigenous), a organization named ‘Students for Sovereignty’ has been protesting against it and demanded the immediate removal of the term and associated graffiti, claiming it contradicts the spirit of the July mass uprising. Responding to this demand, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) removed the term “Adibasi” from the textbook. On January 12, after Students for Sovereignty staged a demonstration outside NCTB, the artwork containing the controversial term was removed from the online version of the book later.

In response, a group of individuals from indigenous communities, under the banner ‘Shankhubdha Adibashi Chatra Janata’ held a demonstration in front of NCTB, demanding the reinstatement of the term ‘Adibasi’ and the graffiti. Simultaneously, ‘Students for Sovereignty’ announced a protest at the same location, leading to a tense standoff. Both groups raised opposing slogans, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation. Eventually, the clash turned violent, prompting the police to intervene with baton charges to disperse the groups.

The violence resulted in injuries on both sides.  According to Mohammad Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, at least 10 injured individuals were admitted to the emergency department.  The injured include: Srestha Rupaiya, 24, Isaba Suhurat, 25, Reng Young Mro, 27, Futonto Chakma, 22, Dhanjetra, 28, Ananta Dhamai, 35, Jewel Marak, 35, Shailee, 27, Donwai Mro, 24, Tanishirang, 30. Meanwhile, a photojournalist at the scene stepped in to assist, rescuing several injured individuals from both sides and ensuring their safety. A representative from the ‘Shankhubdha Adibashi Chatra Janata’, Alik, stated, “NCTB initially included the graffiti with the term ‘Adibasi’ in the textbook, but due to mob pressure, it was removed. We demand its immediate reinstatement.” Dipayan Khisa, a central member of the ‘Shankhubdha Adibashi Chatra Janata’, called the incident a premeditated attack by a “mob group” armed with sticks, resulting in 12 injuries among their members. He demanded an investigation, arrest of the perpetrators, and justice.

Students for Sovereignty, the group blamed the indigenous community for initiating the violence. Ziaul Haque, the convenor of Students for Sovereignty, claimed, “As we were peacefully concluding our demonstration, a planned attack was launched against us, injuring 14-15 of our members. One individual is in critical condition and receiving treatment at a private hospital.” During the protest, Muhammad Yakub Majumder, joint convenor of the organization and a student of Dhaka University, outlined five demands: The term “Adibasi” should not be used to describe ethnic minorities in any form of literature, textbooks or media. Only Bengalis should be constitutionally recognized as the indigenous people of Bangladesh. Any promotion of ethnic minorities as “Adibasi” should be declared a state-treason offense.

Relevant government notifications should be issued to enforce these provisions. Individuals responsible for including the graffiti should be identified and punished. The incident highlights the deep divisions over identity and representation in Bangladesh. Both sides have accused each other of instigating violence and called for justice. The controversy over the use of “Adibasi” in educational materials underscores broader debates on ethnicity, nationalism, and constitutional recognition.