Treating transgender people as humans

Transgender people, locally called Hijras, are not aliens - they live beside us, walk and talk like us. But, we often treat them in a way that does not sound human. They are one of the most neglected communities. But in the developed world and also in some developing countries, transgender people, also known as the 'third' gender, enjoy the same rights as others. This is why they can contribute to the development of their respective countries equally.

In Bangladesh, the Hijras are considered as burden of society. They live on others' mercy. Although the country's constitution acknowledges all people as equal under the law, the reality is quite different for the Hijras.

Some Hijras also harass people by extorting money from them. Sometimes, they go to people's houses to extort money.

In this situation, the government should ensure that all the civil rights and opportunitiesare provided to the Hijra community. Space should be created for their employment. Steps should be taken to raise awareness among their parents to support them. The attitude of common people towards the Hijra community must change as well. Otherwise, society would not be able to address this issue.

Md Abu Sufiyan Sifat,

Political Science,

Dhaka College, Dhaka

[email protected]