Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) removal of the term “indigenous” from the graffiti on the back cover of ninth and tenth-grade textbooks.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the move aligns NCTB with the remnants of authoritarian rule.

On Friday, in a press release signed by TIB Director of Outreach and Communication Mohammad Touhidul Islam, the organisation criticised NCTB’s decision, describing it as a betrayal of Bangladesh’s vision for an inclusive, discrimination-free society as inspired by past student movements. TIB accused the NCTB of yielding to a vested interest group that threatened the inclusion of equal representation in the textbooks’ artwork.

The organisation condemned the move as a continuation of authoritarian practices, calling for accountability and a structural overhaul of the NCTB to align it with democratic principles. The press release also highlighted recent peaceful protests by affected indigenous groups, which were met with violence. Iftekharuzzaman pointed out that this act contradicts the government’s stated position against violence, ethnic discrimination and extremism, as reaffirmed in a recent press briefing.

Referring to the government’s statement, Iftekharuzzaman acknowledged its timely reaffirmation of commitment to peace and law and order. However, he noted the absence of the term “indigenous” in the official narrative, warning that this omission clashes with the chief adviser’s 25 August 2024 address, which had acknowledged the identity of indigenous groups. TIB urged the government to clarify its stance on recognising indigenous people’s rights and upholding equality in the national discourse. The organisation also called for a review of NCTB’s actions to ensure its alignment with democratic and inclusive values.