For the first time in Bangladesh, authorities of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) have introduced a separate counter to ease harassment of the gender-diverse population or the third gender people.
The counter was set up in the hospital's outdoor department Sunday afternoon by Senior Vice President of Rajshahi metropolitan unit Awami League and prominent philanthropist Shaheen Akhtar Reni and hospital Superintendent Brigadier General Shamim Yazdani.
Shaheen Akhtar said: “The third gender people are not a separate race. But society and the general public harass them in various ways.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accorded recognition to them. She has guaranteed their right to vote and share in their fathers' wealth. They will enjoy all facilities similar to those enjoyed by the larger population.”
Mohana, the president of Diner Alo Hijra Sangha, an organization working for the rights of transgender people, said earlier those part of the third gender came up against various obstacles in collecting tickets due to their gender identity.
“Due to this, they often returned from the hospital without taking treatment. With the introduction of a separate counter, they now can easily buy tickets from a designated place,” Mohana said.
