A team from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) participated in the International Indigenous Language Decade Conference 2025, held from February 24-27, 2025, at the International Mother Language Institute (IMLI) in Dhaka. Organized by UNESCO in collaboration with IMLI, Jabarang, and the Maleya Foundation, the four-day event focused on identifying strategic activities to strengthen the implementation of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) in Bangladesh.

The conference brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and indigenous leaders to discuss language preservation, education, and culture. The first session on February 26 featured speakers such as Samar Michael Soren from the Language Resource Hub; Dr. Jaco du Toit, Chief of Section (Universal Access to Information and Digital Empowerment) at UNESCO (via video message); Dr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Director of IMLI; Rani Ukhengching Marma from the Mong Circle Chief’s Office; and Dr. Mashrur Imtiaz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Dhaka.

The second session featured Dr. Biswaranjan Tripura, Assistant Professor (Senior) at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India; Amaresh Debbarma, PhD Candidate at the Central University of Gujarat, India; Thomas Malsom, PhD Candidate at North-Eastern Hill University, India; Jogendranath Sarker, Team Leader of the Sadri Language Writers' Panel; Jhimit Jhimit Chakma, President of the Jum Aesthetics Council; and Fifa Chakma, dancer from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The opening ceremony on February 26 was attended by Barrister Raja Devasish Roy, Chief of the Chakma Circle; Raja Saching Prue Chowdhury, Chief of the Mong Circle; and Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh.

The keynote presentations on February 27 were delivered by Mst. Noorjahan Khatun, Additional Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME); Prof. A.K.M. Reazul Hassan, Chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board; Dr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Director of IMLI; and Badhon Areng, General Secretary of the Cultural and Development Society.

UNESCO Bangladesh invited Professor Dr. Mahmud Hasan Khan, Executive Director of the Sasheen Center for Multilingual Excellence (SCMLE) and Professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) at IUB, to participate in the conference. He moderated a panel discussion on "Education and Indigenous Language Preservation," featuring speakers from MoPME, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board, IMLI, and indigenous community representatives. The IUB team also facilitated a group discussion session on revitalizing endangered languages.

Hla Thoaiching Marma, Administrative Officer at SCMLE, and Ive Sithi Chambugong, a student trained in linguistics at the Sasheen Summer School, participated in sessions on technology in language preservation, indigenous language education, and policy development.

On the final day, they attended the launch of “Of Roots and Heritage: Tales from the Hills – Chakma and Tripura Communities in Bangladesh”, published under UNESCO’s Hooked on Peace project. Pranti Tripura, a student trained at the Sasheen Summer School, contributed as one of the storytellers for the book, which highlights narratives from the Chakma and Tripura communities.

The conference emphasized the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in language preservation. Participants discussed the inclusion of indigenous languages in the national education system, the impact of storytelling and media on linguistic heritage, and strategies for policy development and youth engagement. The event also featured a book fair, showcasing literary works by authors from ethnic communities.

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