Traditional Myths and Development Thought: Insights from the Murang Community in Bangladesh

Abstract

Aims: The study aims to understand the role of traditional myths in making and unmaking development thought among the Murang community in Bangladesh. It explored the traditional myths related to development thought, interrelations between the myths and conventional development, and how different myths make and unmake development thought in line with sustainable development goals. Place and Duration of the Study: The fieldwork was conducted at the Alikadam in Bandarban district of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh from May to June 2022. Methodology: Data collected by In-depth interview, Case study, KII, and validated through FGD. Data were analyzed thematically based on interlinked contents and themes. Findings: A total of 13 traditional myths are found among the Murang community about safeguarding their traditional culture, heritage, tradition, livelihoods, and biodiversity. The interrelations between the myths and the development thought are ambiguous. These myths are too little connected to conventional development thought and interventions. Myths denote the thought of coexisting with the environment, biodiversity, food preservation, global warming, indigenous knowledge, forest preservation, balanced resource distribution, health, hygiene, water management, social solidarity, and normative social behaviors. These thoughts are akin to sustainable development goals, and are transmitted from generation to generation. The community unmakes the thought of infrastructure development and makes own development thought. Conclusion: The development policies and interventions should integrate local culture, language, knowledge, politics, and bio-cultural diversity of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh.