Most people living in Sylhet are even unaware of the existence of this minority community, although their presence dates back centuries, as they choose to stay hidden in the deep forests.
It is said that the a section of the community abandoned the town, moving to the nearby deep forests of Sylhet where they remain today as Lalengs.
The Government of Bangladesh legally purchased land from the Lalengs to establish the Jalalabad Cantonment and Osmani International Airport.
[3] The Laleng can be found in the forests of Sylhet Sadar, Jaintiapur, Gowainghat and Moulvibazar, in a total of 23 villages and 402 families.
They can be found in the Kalagul forest of Sylhet Sadar in villages such as Alaibohor, Dadarani, Khushal, Makorkhula and Paikpara.
Other villages include Fotehpur, Malgaon, Chiknagul, Goandaeer, Kushergual, Foring Ura, Doloipora, Lougul, Noeergul, Pathantola, Borogul, Kalishori, Poschimchuti, Kulauti, Khandar Dighi, Barar Hat, Ramnogor, Rajar Bagicha, Kohibohor, Bhobier Gul and Maqampunji.
They also reside in the nearby Khadim Nagar National Park where they are being advised to switch from using charcoal to more sustainable sources.
The lar (clan chief) remains and is aided by elders now known as murobbi (a borrowed term from the Bengali language).
They celebrate Puin and Dol Purnima, as well as Akung Laram, Madhai Thakur, Poinunu, Taishi Takki, Thibum, Tilsongkranti and Baghai Seba (Tiger service) ceremony.