Bangladesh is geographically a small country. But it is rich in ethnic and cultural diversity. Different ethnic communities (27 according to the census report and more than 45 according to other sources) concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the Southeast, North, Northeast, North-central plains and the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Barguna and Patuakhali, demonstrate unique cultures, traditions, knowledge and much more. Their diverse cultural elements contribute enormously to make Bangladesh a culturally rich country. However, a lack of communication between Adivasis and Bengalis and socio-economic pressure make them disadvantaged and marginal peoples today. This gap has made the majority people indifferent to the ethnic minorities.

One key attention of the Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD) is the ethnic communities or Adivasis and their cultural world. SEHD has been working on the ethnic communities and upholding their human rights issues at the policy level for more than one decade. This has provided SEHD with an opportunity to come into close contact with different Adivasi communities. Cashing in on that experience and strength, SEHD initiated a cultural program [from May 2004] for the promotion of the cultural diversity of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh. Supported by Christian Aid the cultural programs aim to:

Promote cultural diversity and riches of different Adivasi communities of Bangladesh.

Encourage the exchange of experiences of life and culture among communities.

Build solidarity and tolerance among communities.
Increase visibility of the Adivasi communities and their cultural riches at the local, national and international level.

Organizing cultural exchange programs [between the Adivasis and Bengalis] at the district level premises of the Christian Aid partner organizations.

Organizing cultural festivals in Dhaka with the participation of different Adivasi groups.

At the core of the cultural programs is the cultural groups representing different Adivasi communities. The cultural programs that started in May 2004 with a preparatory workshop have come a long way. Since then as many as 25 cultural groups have been organized till December 2006, have participated in 19 district level cultural exchange programs, two cultural festivals in Dhaka (2005 and 2006) and numerous meetings and workshops. These cultural programs clearly demonstrate how important and effective they are in the promotion of cultural diversity in Bangladesh and in making people of different cultures tolerant about each other.

The district level cultural programs are a round-the year activity. These exchange programs are organized at the CA partner organizations premises. They are the co-organizers as well. In each three-day program, a group of 20 plus Adivasi artists representing one or two indigenous communities visit a Christina Aid partner organization’s premises and get engaged in a culture performance, workshops with students of the local schools and colleges and development actors, and visit local historical and other interesting sites. During their visits the cultural teams share their cultural riches and learn about the life and culture in the CA partner organizations’ working areas. Such sharing of experiences of different cultural communities contributes to communal harmony. Till December 2006, 19 district level cultural exchange programs have been organized. The list of the cultural programs, their locations and hosts follow:

Adivasis and the Ecological Farmers’ Workshop on Exchanging Cultural Experience (September 27-29, 2004, Bishnupur, Tangail)

Adivasis and People of Madaripur Exchange Cultural Experience (October 8-10, 2004, Rajoir, Madaripur)

Rakhaings and People of Shibalaya Share their Cultural Experiences (December 11-13, 2004 Shibalaya, Manikganj)

Garo Cultural Team in Saturia (December 19-21, 2004, Satuaria, Manikganj)

Adivasis and Madaripur people Share Cultural Experience (10-12 January, 2005, Madaripur)

Marma Cultural Team at Gonoshashtho Kendra (Savar, Dhaka, January 16-18, 2005)

Cultural Experiences Shared between Tanchangya and the Peoples of Khadimnagar (February 8-9, 2005, Khadimnagar, Sylhet)

Monipuri and people of Meherpur Share Cultural Experiences (Meherpur, February 26-28, 2005)

Bawm and Tanchangya cultural teams at UBINIG center in Tangail (29-31 August 2005)

Monipuri and tea community cultural team at GKT center in Saturia (1-4 October 2005)

Chakma and Khyang cultural teams at FIVDB work area in Khadimnagar (18-20 January 2006)

Tripura and Marma cultural teams at Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA) work area in Madaripur (28-30 January 2006)

Santal and Oraon cultural teams at CBSDP work area in Haluaghat (12-14 February 2006)

Rakhaing and Chak cultural teams at GUP work area in Rajoir (18 – 20 February 2006

Mandi cultural team at CCDB work area in Sharupganj (4-6 March 2006)

Chak and Khyang cultural teams at UBINIG center in Tangail (5-7 September, 2006)

Bawm and Tanchangya cultural teams at GKT activity area (18-20 September 2006)

Chakma team at Gono Unnayan Prochesta (GUP) in Rajoir, Madaripur (11-13 November 2006)

Santal and Oraon cultural teams at CCDB centre in Gournadi, Barisal (28-30 November 2006)