'We want employment opportunity'
Hijras should be given employment opportunities for the country's overall development, said speakers at a seminar in Mymensingh.
The community is still neglected and treated negatively, they said.
Two NGOs -- Bandhu Welfare Society and Right Here Right Now-Bangladesh -- organised the seminar titled “Joining the Cause: Social Integration of 3rd Gender/Hijra and Role of Journalists” at a city hotel.
Journalists and leaders from Alor Pathey Hijra Sangha, a local organisation of hijras, addressed the programme, among others.
If people show a dignified attitude towards hijras they could be an important part of the mainstream economy, they said.
The real development of a country depends on social, economic and political developments, they said. So, there is no scope to keep hijras away from the society, the speakers stressed at the seminar.
Salma Sheikh, president of the Sangha, said there are allegations against hijras of extortion in public transport.
In many cases, situations compel them to do so, she said.
“But we call the job begging. None of you asks us why we do such a shameful job. None is willing to listen to our stories.”
She alleged that they do not get any facilities declared by the government.
“We want work to survive like other people and the government should take proper steps so that we need not beg on the street,” said Salma.
Speaking on the occasion, Hijra guru Momota made a request to treat hijras as human beings.
“Please show the attitude towards us as you do towards your family members, relatives and friends,” she wept.
Bandhu Executive Director Shale Ahmed, its officer Farid Ahmed and Mymensingh representative Abdullah Al Ashiq Shanto spoke among others.
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