Anna Minj Becomes First Indigenous Woman MP Nominee in 55 Years

After 55 years of independence, the path has finally opened for an indigenous woman to represent her community from north in the Jatiya Sangsad. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated Anna Minj, a leader from the Oraon indigenous ethnic community, for a reserved women’s seat from Natore in the 13th Parliament.

Indigenous leaders have described this nomination as a historic milestone for the rights and inclusion of ethnic minorities, particularly in northern Bangladesh. It is expected to open new avenues for raising the voices of marginalised communities, Christians, and small ethnic groups in the national legislature.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Anna Minj was chosen for her organisational skills, leadership qualities, and strong grassroots connections. She has long been working on issues related to the rights, security, and development of disadvantaged communities.

Anna Minj’s family and leaders of indigenous organisations have expressed gratitude to the BNP’s top leadership for the decision. They view it as a positive step not only for political representation but also for social inclusion and equality.

Anna Minj is widely recognised as a respected and acceptable representative of both Christian and indigenous communities. She is known as a skilled organiser and leader in her personal and professional life.

It is expected that once she joins parliament, she will strongly advocate for the rights, education, security, and overall development of marginalised, Christian, and indigenous populations.

Her nomination has also received positive reactions at the local level. Many believe this kind of representation will make the country’s democratic structure more inclusive and bring indigenous voices into the mainstream.

She is the daughter of Paul Minj of Sikdarhat, Madarganj, under Auliapur Union (No. 6) in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila.

Anna Minj is the Senior Director of Programmes at BRAC International, overseeing a portfolio that spans education and early childhood development, youth empowerment, ultra-poor graduation and livelihoods, agriculture and food security, health, gender equality and social inclusion, climate change, and multi-sectoral integrated programming across 13 countries in Asia and Africa.

A development strategist with over three decades of experience, she first joined BRAC in 2009 and has contributed more than 16 years of dedicated service in multiple roles. In her current position, she provides strategic leadership in the design, scaling, and institutionalisation of holistic, climate-resilient, gender-responsive programmes.

She has previously held senior leadership positions in prominent national and international organisations, including CARITAS, CARE Bangladesh, and BRAC Bangladesh. Her work focuses strongly on community empowerment, integrated programming, advancing gender equality, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

She currently serves on the boards of several national and international organisations, including as Chairperson of the National Coalition of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh and Vice-Chair of SIL International Bangladesh. She has also served as a board member of the Strømme Foundation (Norway) and as Convener of both the Girls Not Brides Bangladesh Chapter and the Engaging Men & Boys Alliance, Bangladesh.

She holds an MSc in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in project planning and management from the University of Manchester.