Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Thursday told the parliament that the government will take effective steps to prevent hijras from creating nuisance in public places.
He came up with the remarks on behalf of Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon while responding to supplementary questions by two female MPs during the question-answer session.
In a supplementary question, Quazi Rosy MP (reserved seat 41) narrated her unpleasant experience with hijras at her residence and wanted two know what steps the government may take to stop their social nuisances.
Tofail said: “The government will take effective steps to stop any nuisance by hijras on the streets and at houses to realize money by force. Law enforcement agencies will be given necessary directions in this regard."
Replying to another question of Fazilatun Nasa Bappy (reserved seat 30), the minister said it is necessary to bring hijras to the main stream of society. “The government has taken steps for the rehabilitation of hijras.”
However, hijras return to their previous lifestyle even after rehabilitation as they do not want to cope with the mainstream, the minister said adding: “I think counselling is necessary so that they can remain in the mainstream.”
The minister further said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken various pro-people steps so that the poor and vulnerable groups of people could be benefited. As part of such initiatives, hijras are now getting various supports and assistances from the government, he said.
Tofail urged MPs to extend their helping hands towards hijras in their respective areas.
On June 23, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon told the parliament that the number of hijras in the country is now 11,039 as per statistics of Social Service Department. He, however, said no survey has been conducted to determine the exact number of hijras in the country.
The minister said the government is providing hijras with employment training on various vocations, including hairdressing, beautification, driving, farming, handicraft and security guard and Ansar and VDP.
On completion of the training, each hijra is provided with Tk10,000 as financial support for their rehabilitation.
