Call for policy overhaul to end systemic discrimination against Hijra community

A group of transgender individuals on 22 July visited the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery to donate blood for the victims of the tragic Milestone School plane crash in Dhaka.

This act of solidarity echoed similar initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, when transgender people came forward to support infected patients and distribute aid. 

Despite these acts of humanity, members of the Hijra community in Bangladesh continue to face systemic discrimination in nearly every aspect of life – from healthcare and education to basic civil rights.

At most hospitals, transgender patients report being treated with disdain or fear by doctors and subjected to verbal abuse from fellow patients. As a result, many choose not to seek formal medical care, instead turning to pharmacies or unqualified practitioners for treatment.

Nayantara, a 40-year-old hijra resident of the Korail slum, told The Business Standard, "When we stand in the queue at the hospital to receive treatment, people get angry and don't want to stand next to us. Doctors don't want to examine us, so we just don't go to hospitals. If we fall ill, the pharmacy is our only option."

'Mashi' provides

Another hijra individual shared that when someone in their community becomes ill, they consult their "Mashi", an elder who leads and oversees their group. The Mashi then arranges treatment through informal or unlicensed healthcare providers.

Sadikul Islam, founder of "Brihonnola", an initiative to improve the quality of life of the Hijra community, said that they (Hijra community) not only face exclusion from healthcare but also endure rejection from their own families and broader society.

He stressed the need for policy reforms that include transgender people in educational curricula and ensure their acceptance within families.

Sadikul further explained that while changing perceptions takes time, policy change can lead to real inclusion, especially in education. "If children learn about transgender people through textbooks, it can change how future generations view them."

The Government of Bangladesh officially recognised the hijra as a third gender back in 2014. Later, in 2019, they were granted voting rights and included under various social safety net programmes.

However, these symbolic gestures have not eradicated discrimination, particularly in education, healthcare, and property rights.

Symbolic gestures

Despite legal recognition, many educational institutions still fail to provide safe spaces for third-gender students, and opportunities for higher education remain extremely limited.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) estimates the hijra population in Bangladesh to be around 11,000, but rights activists argue the actual number is closer to 1,00,000.

A study titled "Discrimination and social exclusion of third-gender population (Hijra) in Bangladesh: A brief review" highlights that hijra individuals face physical and psychological abuse and are systematically denied access to quality services, healthcare, and employment.

The study recommends forming a dedicated Hijra Welfare Board to protect the community's rights. It also suggests creating a centralised database to better understand their demographics and needs, and calls for government and non-governmental entities to collaborate towards securing housing, gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive healthcare, and political representation.

Ashar Alo Society, a non-governmental organisation, occasionally organises medical camps to provide primary healthcare services to the hijra community. Md Sanwar Hossain, programme manager of Ashar Alo, told TBS, "We have specialist doctors at our medical camps who diagnose the illnesses of the hijra community and provide prescriptions, but we do not provide any medication."

Commenting on healthcare access, Professor Dr Sayedur Rahman, chief adviser's special assistant at the Ministry of Health, told TBS, "Hijra people can access services at government hospitals just like anyone else."

"Currently, we do not have a plan for separate provisions for them. Our new healthcare policy prioritises women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities," he added.

'Not as outsiders, but as equals'

Meanwhile, with financial support from the European Union, the "Expanding Civic Space through Active CSO Participation and Strengthened Governance System in Bangladesh (ECSAP)" project is working to raise awareness and build the capacity of organisations to uphold the rights of marginalised communities.

This project is being implemented by Christian Aid, AMRAI PARI (Alliance to End Domestic Violence), and Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Jinat Ara Haque, chief executive at WE CAN, emphasised the need for deeper systemic change.

"Hijras are human beings. We must treat them as such. The state has a responsibility to ensure they are not viewed as separate or inferior," she said.

"There should be strong legal protection for their rights. Awareness campaigns are essential to shift societal attitudes. Quotas in education and employment could help improve their participation and reduce stigma," she added.

Jinat Ara opined, "When more people see transgender individuals working alongside them, they will gradually become more accepting. We need to integrate them meaningfully into society — not as outsiders, but as equals."