Bangladesh’s transgender population has long been excluded from the mainstream society. But as the nation progresses, both economically and socially, it is clear that attitudes are indeed shifting for the better.
Not only do the transgender, like everyone else, deserve the right to live a peaceful, safe, and free life, but, given just how disadvantaged they have historically been, further steps towards their inclusion into mainstream society need to be ensured.
To that end, the government’s recent announcement that the transgender community will be given preferential treatment in the Open Market Sale (OMS) program is hopefully a sign of things to come.
With the state of the global economy and its effects on our food supply, it is indeed heartening to know that the government’s efforts to combat such shortages will indeed give our transgender community a special seat at the table.
This is a win for everyone.
According to official estimates, there are around 10,000 transgender people in Bangladesh. From social to economic ostracization, they have had to face it all. But the government’s official recognition of the transgender community as the third gender set in motion a series of positive initiatives.
With programs such as Ashrayan-2, the administration has proven that it can keep its pledge towards reducing homelessness within the transgender community, a phenomenon that has a direct impact in the level of harassment that they endure on an everyday basis.
Only good can come from giving the transgender community safe dwellings, as the community will no doubt contribute immensely to our economy.
At the end of the day, transgender rights are simply human rights and a transgender citizen of this nation has just as much of a claim to be protected from violence, abuse, and harassment as anyone else.
While much more needs to be done, no one can deny that Bangladesh is indeed on the path towards true inclusivity.
