I asked AI, "Are the Santals of Bangladesh considered Indigenous according to the UN declaration?"

 Yes, the Santals of Bangladesh are recognized as Indigenous peoples according to international standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Santal community, primarily residing in the plains of northern Bangladesh, shares key characteristics that align with the definition of Indigenous peoples under international law.

Key Points of Recognition under the UN Declaration:

1. Self-Identification
   Indigenous status is largely based on self-identification as Indigenous. The Santal people identify themselves as Adivasi (Indigenous), sharing a distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical identity.

2. 
   Distinct Cultural and Social Identity
   The Santals have their own language (Santali), customs, traditions, and social structures that differentiate them from the dominant Bengali population. They maintain cultural practices that are closely tied to their land and environment.
   

3. Historical Continuity
   Indigenous peoples are typically seen as descendants of populations who inhabited a region before the arrival of settlers or the formation of modern nation-states. The Santal people have a long history in the Bengal region, predating the establishment of Bangladesh as a country.

4. Marginalization and Displacement
   Like many Indigenous groups, the Santals have faced historical marginalization, land dispossession, and socioeconomic challenges. This reflects one of the key criteria of Indigenous recognition: the experience of exclusion or disadvantage due to their distinct cultural identity.

5. Lack of Full Integration into Dominant National Society
   The Santals maintain a separate identity from the mainstream Bengali culture, and many still live in communities where traditional ways of life, including agriculture, are central. They have been historically underrepresented in political, economic, and social systems, which is a common characteristic of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

United Nations Definition of Indigenous Peoples:

While the UN does not provide a strict definition, it recognizes Indigenous peoples based on a
combination of factors such as self-identification, distinct culture, language, and historical connection to a specific territory, along with a history of marginalization or exclusion. The Santal people fit these criteria.

In Bangladesh, the government has sometimes been hesitant to officially recognize certain groups as Indigenous (Adivasi), preferring terms like "ethnic minorities" or "small ethnic groups." However, organizations like the United Nations and other international human rights bodies recognize the Santals, along with other Indigenous groups in Bangladesh, under the broader international framework for Indigenous peoples.

Conclusion:

Under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Santal people of Bangladesh are recognized as Indigenous, based on their self-identification, distinct cultural and historical identity, and their experience of marginalization and exclusion.