The Santal community is one of the largest Indigenous group in Bangladesh, and is one of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in the country. Despite their long history of oppression, exploitation, and discrimination, the Santal people have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity, and have resisted attempts to assimilate them into mainstream society. Their culture has been severely impacted by the structural development of the country.
Santal communities do not receive the same treatment as mainstream Bangali citizens and other ethnic communities living here in Bangladesh and are not skilled enough in income-generating activities, resulting in limited access to education and employment opportunities. Additionally, they suffer from various health complications, particularly premature aging due to hard manual labor and are losing their alternative sources of food and ways to earn a living due to rapid depletion of natural resources in their living areas. This study will examine these issues from both the perspective of the Santal communities and the government as well.
This research seeks to uncover the implications of structural development on the Santal people and their culture. This study will use a combination of primary and secondary data, including ethnographic interviews and archival materials, to examine the impact of development activities on the Santal community, and to assess their access to basic rights, entitlements, and education. It will examine the extent to which the Santal community is able to exercise their rights and participate in decision-making processes, as well as their ability to access basic services and resources. Finally, this research paper seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the various challenges they face in their daily lives. It also aims to address the systematic and structural weaknesses that are preventing them from achieving socio-economic development and equality with mainstream communities living in Bangladesh.
