Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, affirmed that the government is committed to securing the rights of the Garo people in forest areas. Legal measures will be taken to safeguard land rights, water rights, access, grazing, and the extraction of forest resources for forest-dependent communities. She emphasized that the government is working to resolve conflicts between forest communities and the Forest Department, with necessary amendments to social forestry regulations underway.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Wangala festival, held Friday (November 8, 2024) at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College, she added that Wangala is a unique symbol of the Garo community’s cultural heritage. The festival highlights the bond between nature and human society, celebrating the harvest as a moment of gratitude to nature. She urged everyone to protect the environment and cherish natural resources as the Garo community does.

The Adviser also noted that the Indigenous Council has started working to establish the rights of the Garo people. The district administration has been directed to demarcate disputed boundaries within the Modhupur Forest. Local development initiatives will be inclusive of forest residents, ensuring no exclusion. The Ministries of Land and Water Resources will collaborate to tackle illegal sand and stone extraction. Public participation is essential for effective forest conservation.

Guests enjoyed traditional Garo dance and music during the event. The Adviser also unveiled a special magazine published for the Wangala festival.

The event, presided over by Nokma Shimanto Chisim, Chair of Dhaka Wangala 2024, featured distinguished guests, including Fazlul Haque, Member of the National Board of Revenue (NBR); Nafrija Shaima, Additional Secretary (Cultural Heritage), Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Pavel Partha, writer and researcher; Parag Richil, poet and researcher; Md. Shakir Hossain, Registrar, Presidency University; Theophile Nokrek, Director, Caritas Development Institute; Dr. Bapan Mankhin, development researcher; Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Principal, Banani Bidyaniketan School and College; Hemonto Karaya, President, The Christian Cooperative Credit Union; and Ripon Richard Sardar, President, Noyanagar Christian Cooperative Credit Union.

Representatives from local and international organizations, cultural activists, students, and various members of the Garo community attended the celebration. Wangala plays an important role in promoting and preserving the heritage and culture of the Garo community.