A “Hijra Protection Act” is being drafted which will ensure the rights of every Hijra (transgender) children to live with their family and help them get inheritances.
The Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Nasima Begum NDC made the statement on Tuesday during an online consultation meeting, read a press release.
She said this law will confirm “living with family” for Hijra and Transgender persons, which should reduce a significant number of rights violation case in future.
Nasima Begum participated in the online consultation meeting titled "More affordable and meaningful participation of the Hijra community in the National Safety Net program” jointly organized by NHRC and Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) on Tuesday afternoon.
Bandhu is assisting NHRC in preparing the primary draft of Hijra Protection Act. Soon the draft of the act will be shared with the Ministry of Social Welfare for review.
The chairman of NHRC also said, harassment in the name of Hijra identification test should be stopped.
Mohammad Ismail, additional secretary of the Social Welfare Ministry said, the department has drafted a new policy for the Hijra community, where the amount of money that is usually given to Hijra persons after technical training is being increased to Tk50,000, now it is Tk10,000 only.
This amount will help them create their own business and improve their livelihood. He also said that the age limit for old age allowance is being reduced from 50 to 30 years and need-based technical training will be provided from now on.
Dr Mohammad Bellal Hossain, professor of Population Science in Dhaka University presented the current scenario of the Hijra Livelihood Development project of the Social Welfare department.
Director General of the Department of Social Welfare Sheikh Rafiqul Islam, and Director Sabbir Imam, Executive Director of Bandhu Saleh Ahmed, Hijra community leaders and concerned individuals participated in the consultation meeting.
