Educating transgender people

An initiative to provide institutional Islamic education to the transgender Muslims in Dhaka's Kamrangirchar is, undoubtedly, a novel and praiseworthy move. Through this initiative, the process of integrating the discriminated minority group into mainstream society has started. Dawatul Islam Tritio Linger Madrasa, or Islamic Third Gender School, is the first educational institution for theso-called 'Hijras'. Before that, there was no example of institutional education or vocational training for the 'third-gender' community initiated either by the government or non-government organisations.

According to the government statistics, the number of transgender people in the country is around 10,000. Several associations for the transgender people, however, claim that the number is more than 1.5 million. This long-marginalised community has always been treated as pariahs by the mainstream society. Because they lack formal education and opportunity for work, and have no other means, they are looked upon as a nuisance by many. They live on others' mercy. They harass people by extorting money from them.

We believe 'Hijras' should enjoy all the rights like any other human beings in Bangladesh. The government has the responsibility to mainstream this community and ensure self-reliant livelihoods for them through vocational training, creation of workplace and involvement in income generating activities.

Wares Ali Khan,

Sadar, Narsingdi

[email protected]