>p>
The Jumma peoples are a collective term for several Indigenous ethnic groups—including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and others—who inhabit the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of southeastern Bangladesh. Rich in cultural diversity, the Jumma peoples have distinct languages, traditions, and spiritual beliefs, many rooted in Buddhism and animism. Traditionally reliant on swidden agriculture (jhum), their social systems are closely tied to ancestral lands and forest ecosystems.
Since Bangladesh’s independence, the Jumma peoples have faced systemic challenges, including militarization, forced displacement, and land dispossession. A long-standing insurgency in the CHT emerged due to the marginalization of Indigenous rights and the resettlement of Bengali populations into Indigenous territories. Although the 1997 CHT Peace Accord aimed to address these issues, its incomplete implementation has left many Jumma communities vulnerable to land grabs, limited access to resources, and threats to cultural survival.
What stands out as truly inspiring about the Jumma peoples is their unwavering commitment to peaceful advocacy, cultural preservation, and Indigenous self-determination. Through grassroots movements and international partnerships, Jumma communities continue to demand the full realization of their rights under the Peace Accord. Efforts to document and revitalize traditional practices, promote education in native languages, and protect sacred sites reflect their resilience and determination to thrive while preserving their ancestral heritage.
