The transgender community observed the 5th anniversary of their recognition by the government as the third gender through various programmes on Sunday.
The programmes were organised under a project ‘development of the standard of lifestyle and good behaviour’ in association with the Social Services Department and ‘ReThink Bangladesh’, a platform working for the hijra community.
In a landmark decision, the government on November 11, 2013 recognised the hijra community as the third gender. Hijjras organised a programme titled ‘Khola Hawa’ at different places of the city where Mehedi utsab and selfi festival were included.
The programme was held from 10 am to 1pm at different points of Dhaka University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) and on the footpath in front of Eden Mohila College.A cultural programme was also held in the city’s Green Road area in the evening.
A third year student of Dhaka University, Sumaiya, said people should change their common perception about the third gender. “They need support to live in the society with respect. We can do something for them from our position,” she added.
source: UNB
