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Hijra rights must be protected 

Published : Sunday, 25 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 351
DM OHIDUL ISLAM (Ome)
As our nation grapples with the complexities of modern society, it's imperative to revisit the deep-seated inequalities that have marginalized countless individuals. One such community, the Hijra, has long faced discrimination and injustice. Their voices, once instrumental in shaping our nation's history, have been silenced for far too long.

The student-led mass movement of the past ignited a spark of hope, a call for fairness and equality. It's time we rekindle that spirit and address the urgent needs of the Hijra community. For too long, their recommendations for legal and societal reforms have been ignored.

The recent anti-transgender backlash surrounding the 'Sharifa' textbook incident underscores the urgency of this issue. Outdated and discriminatory laws continue to perpetuate marginalization and harm. It's time to rewrite these laws, ensuring that the Hijra community is recognized, respected, and protected.

In 2013, Bangladesh officially recognized the Hijra community as a "third gender," a move that was celebrated as a milestone in the journey towards gender equality. However, this legal recognition has not significantly improved the marginalized status of the Hijra community, and their harsh realities remain largely ignored.

Despite this official acknowledgment, members of the Hijra community in Bangladesh continue to face challenges in securing basic human rights and gaining social acceptance. Many are pressured to identify as third gender on official documents, a categorization that often deprives them of their right to self-identify. The government's intention to use self-identification as a means to provide benefits has backfired, exacerbating the community's difficulties. The term "Hijra," which is often used in a derogatory manner in Bangladeshi society, further deepens their social exclusion and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about their gender and sexuality.

The Hijra community, a vibrant and diverse group of individuals including intersex people, transgender women, and others, has been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture for centuries. Revered during the Mughal Empire, their status plummeted under British colonial rule, leading to criminalization and stigmatization.

“In 2013, Bangladesh officially recognized the Hijra community as a “third gender,” a move that was celebrated as a milestone in the journey towards gender equality. However, this legal recognition has not significantly improved the marginalized status of the Hijra community, and their harsh realities remain largely ignored”

Despite decades of progress, the Hijra community continues to face widespread discrimination in education, healthcare, and employment. The 2013 policy, intended to align with Western gender concepts, has proven to be largely performative. Many Hijras, hoping for better opportunities by identifying as a "third gender," have found themselves excluded from essential services and the electoral process due to the lack of appropriate options on government forms.

Education remains a significant challenge. While the government's recent initiative to open a school for Hijras is a step in the right direction, its limited curriculum fails to provide the necessary tools for social and economic mobility. In the healthcare sector, discrimination and harassment are rampant. 

Many Hijras avoid seeking medical care due to fear of mistreatment, leading to serious health consequences. It's clear that more than just policy changes are needed. To truly empower the Hijra community, we must address deep-rooted societal biases, invest in education and healthcare, and ensure their full inclusion in all aspects of public life.

Economic desperation often drives Hijras into sex work, dancing, and begging. While prostitution is technically legal, the criminalization of homosexuality under Section 377 of the Penal Code exposes them to police harassment, extortion, and violence. This outdated law, a legacy of British colonialism, continues to undermine their dignity and safety.

The government's superficial policies, such as labeling Hijras as "third gender" or "disabled," fail to address the root causes of their marginalization. Legal recognition without accompanying measures for social inclusion is merely tokenism. The Hijra community's plight underscores the urgent need for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, inclusive education, and accessible healthcare.

Bangladesh's efforts to present itself as a modern and progressive nation are undermined by the continued discrimination faced by the Hijra community. For real progress, the government must implement substantial changes that uphold the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all its citizens.

As Bangladesh continues its economic growth, it's imperative to ensure that this development is inclusive. By embracing all gender identities and creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, Bangladesh can truly demonstrate its commitment to justice and equality.

The writer is Senior Sub-editor at The Daily Observer



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