Published on 12:00 AM, April 05, 2022

Ensure equal opportunities for hijras

People of the third gender, known as hijra, are one of the most discriminated against and vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. In our society, the term "hijra" is stigmatised and used as an insult. They are often the targets of jokes and stereotyped as hostile. Normalisation of such behaviour has resulted in their exclusion from society as a whole, which is a blatant violation of their basic human rights. Radical changes are needed in our society to ensure that hijras have equal rights and opportunities. They have as much potential as any other citizens to contribute to our country's development.