Experts called on Tuesday for the passage of a separate law to improve the social rights and acceptability of the Hijra community in Bangladesh.
Speaking at an inauguration programme titled "Mainstreaming love and acceptance: A single manifesto for the rights of the Hijra community" at Shishu Kalyan Parishad Auditorium in the capital's Segunbagicha, speakers said, "According to the Department of Social Services survey, the number of transgenders in Bangladesh is approximately 10,000. However, a private organization's survey found that this figure exceeds 50,000."
Speakers said that, in November 2013, the government recognized the transgender community as a third gender in order to integrate them into the mainstream of society. On January 26, 2014, the gazette was published with state recognition of Hijras. However, despite the state recognition, proper employment of Hijras has not yet been guaranteed.
A single manifesto for the rights of the transgender community was announced at the programme.
Light House, a non-governmental organization, has undertaken a new two-year project to promote and protect the rights of Hijras by increasing their social acceptance and unlocking their full potential in the mainstream of society in Bangladesh.
The basic needs of the Hijra community have not yet been met. Through this project, a consultative meeting will be held for the formulation of the Hijra Act.
Besides, there will be a dialogue with various government and non-governmental organizations including the Ministry of Social Welfare, Human Rights Commission and the Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of Social Welfare to ensure the rights of Hijras.
Facilitation of free legal services provided by the government, providing leadership training to 100 selected Hijra leaders and mental health training to 30 CBO members.
The meeting was chaired by Harun or rashid , Chief executive, Light House.
Among others chief guest Director of Social Safety Net, Department of Social service Md Mossaraf Hossain, Jannatul Ferdous Research officer, Planning, Department of Women Affairs, Biraj Chandra Sarkar Deputy Director, Department of Youth, M M Mahmudullah Additional Director; Department of Social Services and leaders of various organizations of Hijra community, leaders and workers of various social and human rights organizations participated in the event.
