Stories from the transgender community
Publication ceremony of two books on transgender community was held at Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the National Museum in the capital yesterday.
Two books, titled Hijra Shobdokosh and Rupantorito Manusher Golpo, narrate stories of the community’s struggle in life. The books were edited by prominent litterateur Selina Hossain.
Nasima Begum, chairperson of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), among others, unveiled the books at a ceremony jointly organised by Faria Lara Foundation and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA) and Swiss Agency For Development And Cooperation (SDC) supported the publications.
Speaking as chief guest, Nasima said the government has recognised hijras as the third gender in 2013 and all other rights of this community will be established step by step.
Nasima said that she would propose the government to draft a law regarding protection of hijra community as early as possible.
In her speech, Samina Luthfa, associate professor at Dhaka University’s sociology department, said that outlook towards hijras should change in order to establish their rights as human beings.
UNDP Bangladesh’s Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee and Bangladesh National Museum’s Director General Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan also spoke at the programme.
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