Include transgender people in the mainstream

Speakers urge government

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday urged the government to include transgender people into the mainstream to ensure their rights, as this community lags far behind others.

They also called upon the authorities concerned to provide transgender persons with work opportunities so that they can earn a dignified livelihood instead of depending on others’ generosity.

Right Here Right Now (RHRN) Bangladesh, a platform of non-government organisations including Bandhu, arranged the discussion on the role of media in incorporating the transgender population in mainstream society. The event was held at The Daily Star Centre in the capital.

Speaking at the event, Saraban Tahura Zaman, national coordinator of RHRN Bangladesh, said transgender people face discrimination in all aspects — from health to education to livelihood.

“We want to change this situation and help them secure a dignified life,” she said, adding that the government should put extra emphasis on transgender population.

Munni Saha, head of news of TV channel ATN News, said there is confusion over the identity of transgender people — whether they would be addressed as “Hijra” or “third gender”.

“This issue needs to be resolved immediately. At the same time, we need to change our mindset and show these people the respect they are entitled to,” she added.

Shabnam Azim, an assistant professor of journalism at Dhaka University; Shale Ahmed, executive director of Bandhu; and Shahnaz Sharmeen, chief reporter of Nagorik TV, spoke at the programme, among others.

Source: The Daily Star