In Bangladesh, the third gender people, known as hijras, have long faced discrimination and exclusion. However, their unwavering fight for recognition has led to historic changes that have the potential to transform the lives of this marginalized community. The total population of third gender individuals in Bangladesh is 12,629 according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, with 849 registered voters.
You Can Also Read: BANGLADESH RANKS FIRST IN SOUTH ASIA FOR GENDER EQUALITY: GLOBAL GENDER GAP REPORT 2023
The turning point came in January 2014 when the Bangladeshi government officially recognized hijras as a third gender. This landmark decision was a significant step towards ensuring their rights and dignity, allowing them to identify as hijra in all official documents, including passports. Prior to this, the journey towards inclusion had already begun, with hijras gaining the right to vote in 2009.
History: Victims of British Colonialism
The history of hijras in Bangladesh is deeply rooted in Hindu and Islamic traditions, where they once held respected roles. In Hindu holy texts like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the hero Arjuna becomes the third gender. Muslim rulers of the Mughal Empire in the 15th to 19th centuries were generous patrons of third gender Indians. However, this respect waned under British colonial rule, which criminalized hijras, leading to persistent stigmatization even after Bangladesh’s independence.
Despite the repeal of colonial laws and the maintenance of traditional roles, hijras have often faced exclusion from employment and education, driving many into poverty and forcing them into begging or prostitution. They have also encountered violence and abuse, including from police and medical institutions.
Hijras in Bangladesh are diverse, not confined to a single religious or gender identity. Their complex identity has allowed some to follow practices from both Hinduism and Islam, demonstrating their adaptability and the multifaceted nature of their existence within South Asian societies.
The transformation towards recognition and rights for hijras has been a gradual and challenging process. In recent years, efforts by activists and the government have started to address the injustices faced by this community.
A pivotal moment came in November 2013, when the Cabinet made a ‘policy decision’ recognizing Hijras as a separate gender, officially granting them third-gender status in January 2014.
Despite the ruling in 2014, challenges persist in fully realizing these rights. For instance, Hijras were granted voting rights in 2009, but the practical implementation, such as enrollment as voters and issuance of National Identity Cards (NID) that reflect their gender identity, has been slow. This delay hampers their ability to participate fully in civic life and access government services.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vulnerability of the Hijra community was starkly highlighted, with many facing severe economic and health crises due to societal exclusion and discrimination. However, the pandemic also saw acts of solidarity and support, as community leaders and activists mobilized resources to assist those in need.
Efforts are ongoing to improve the social security and rights of Hijras, with calls for more comprehensive legal protections and the development of mechanisms to allow for the change of official gender on legal documents. These steps are crucial for ensuring Hijras can inherit property, access education, and receive equal treatment under the law.
“If an organization employs 10 per cent of its total employees or more than 100 third gender persons then the employer would get 75 per cent tax rebate from the salary paid to them or 5 percent of payable tax, whichever is less.”
– AHM Mustafa Kamal, Former Finance Minister (while presenting the National Budget for FY 2021-22 in Parliament on June 3)
Efforts to enhance their employment have been taken by the government; including government initiatives to recruit third-gender individuals for police roles and facilitate their access to bank loans. A 2021 tax rebate aimed to encourage companies to hire third-gender employees. Additionally, USAID’s program from 2018 to 2020 promoted rights, public service access, and legal aid for gender-diverse populations, highlighting international support towards their societal inclusion.
These steps mark significant progress in recognizing and integrating third-gender individuals into Bangladeshi society, reflecting both local and global efforts to support this marginalized community.
Conclusion
The journey for third gender rights in Bangladesh is an arduous and ever-evolving path, marked by both significant triumphs and persistent hurdles. Over the years, the Bangladeshi society has witnessed remarkable strides, from the groundbreaking legal recognition of third gender individuals to the gradual inclusion of this marginalized community in various spheres of social and political life.
Yet, the road ahead remains long, with challenges that continue to test the resilience and determination of this community. Despite the progress made, the fight for true equality and the full realization of their rights and dignity is an ongoing battle that requires unwavering commitment and sustained advocacy.
This progress, however, reflects the broader societal shifts towards greater acceptance and a deeper understanding of gender diversity. It underscores the critical importance of continued advocacy and the development of comprehensive policies that can effectively address the unique needs and experiences of third gender individuals in Bangladesh, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
