Inheritance for Aboriginal People: Bangladesh Perspective

This article explores the legal and socio-cultural dimensions of inheritance rights among the aboriginal people in Bangladesh. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination, many indigenous groups, including the Chakma, Marma, Santal, Garo, and others, face systemic challenges in asserting their traditional inheritance rights within the framework of the dominant legal system. The study examines how customary laws often govern inheritance in these communities and how they intersect, clash, or coexist with national regulations such as the Civil Code, personal religious laws, and land administration policies. Special attention is given to the gender disparity in customary practices and the lack of legal recognition for women’s inheritance rights among many tribal groups. Using a qualitative approach, the article critically analyzes case studies, statutory provisions, and court rulings while reflecting on the impacts of development projects and land dispossession. The article concludes by recommending legal reforms and culturally sensitive policy measures to safeguard the inheritance rights of Aboriginal people, ensuring social justice and sustainable development in Bangladesh.