Marma people in Bangladesh are one of the largest communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, yet many people still do not clearly understand who they are, where they live, or why they matter.
This gap is not just about information. It is about identity, visibility, and how the hills are understood from the outside.
What Are the Marma People?
The Marma people are an ethnic community living mainly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. They are known for their Theravada Buddhist traditions, distinct language, and strong cultural identity.
They are widely recognized as the second-largest ethnic group in the CHT after the Chakma, and one of the most influential communities in the hill region.
How Many Marma People Are in Bangladesh?
Population estimates vary depending on sources, but most reliable figures suggest:
- Around 224,000–276,000 Marma people
- Some estimates go up to 300,000+
This makes them one of the largest indigenous communities in Bangladesh.
Where Are the Marma People Found?
Marma people in Bangladesh are mainly found in Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari.
Main Areas
- Bandarban (core population center)
- Rangamati
- Khagrachhari
In several upazilas of Bandarban—such as Ruma, Thanchi, and Rowangchhari—they form a significant or majority population.
For many outside the hills, the Marma people are often seen but rarely fully understood.
Origin of the Marma People
The Marma people have historical connections to the Arakan (Rakhine) region of present-day Myanmar.
Over centuries, they migrated into the hill regions due to:
- Political conflict
- Regional instability
- Shifts in power
What matters today is not just origin, but long-term presence and continuity. The Marma people have lived in the CHT for generations and built a strong, rooted identity.
Why Are They Called “Marma”?
The name “Marma” reflects identity and self-definition.
In the past, outsiders often used the term “Magh” to describe Buddhist communities in the region. Over time, this term became sensitive and was rejected by the community.
As a result, “Marma” became the accepted name, especially in the 20th century, as a way for the community to define its own identity.
Marma Language
The Marma language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and is closely related to Burmese.
It is:
- Widely used in daily life
- A key part of cultural identity
- Increasingly under pressure from dominant languages
Religion and Culture
The Marma people mainly follow Theravada Buddhism, which shapes their values, rituals, and community life.
Cultural highlights:
- Sangrai Festival (New Year celebration)
- Traditional dress with Southeast Asian influence
- Strong community-centered lifestyle
The Sangrai festival is more than a celebration—it symbolizes renewal and purification, with water used to wash away the negativity of the past year.
Daily Life and Lifestyle
Traditionally, many Marma communities depend on jhum (shifting cultivation).
Villages are often built:
- On hillsides
- Near natural water sources
- Using bamboo and wood
Homes are usually raised above ground level, which reflects adaptation to the environment.
Internal Structure of Marma Society
The Marma people are not a single uniform group. They are divided into different sub-groups based on historical settlement patterns and migration.
This internal structure influences:
- Social organization
- Marriage practices
- Community relationships
Connection with Rakhine People
The Marma people share strong cultural and historical links with the Rakhine (Arakanese) people of Myanmar.
They share:
- Language similarities
- Religious practices
- Cultural traditions
However, over time, the Marma have developed a distinct identity within Bangladesh, shaped by the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Marma People and Indigenous Identity in the CHT
The Marma people are part of the broader group often referred to as Jumma people, a term connected to traditional jhum cultivation.
Within the CHT:
- Chakma → largest group
- Marma → second largest
- Tripura → another major group
These communities share:
- Land-based identity
- Cultural diversity
- Historical presence in the hill region
The Marma people are not just defined by where they came from, but by how they have built and preserved their identity over generations.
Why the Marma People Matter Today
The identity of the Marma people in Bangladesh is part of a broader discussion about indigenous recognition and cultural preservation.
The Marma people are not just part of history—they are part of an ongoing discussion about identity, land, and recognition in Bangladesh today.
Questions about identity, culture, and land are closely connected to the Marma people. This means their way of life, traditions, and even where they live can be affected by how these issues are decided.
Death and Funeral Practices
Marma funeral practices vary depending on age and social context:
- Elders are usually cremated
- Younger individuals may be buried
These practices reflect a combination of Buddhist belief and traditional customs.
Final Reflection
The Marma people are not just a community to be defined—they are a community to be understood.
Understanding the Marma people means understanding a part of the country that is often overlooked, but deeply important.