Breaking Barriers: Challenges of Bangladesh’s Transgender Community

Debjani Kurchi Kakon || In Bangladesh, transgender individuals, commonly referred to as “Hijras,” are often seen collecting money on public transportation, from buses and trains to boats. This scene, though familiar, highlights a much larger story of systemic exclusion, where limited access to education, employment, and social services drives members of the transgender community toward marginalized livelihoods. These challenges reflect both social and economic inequalities, forming a cycle of disadvantage and limiting opportunities for mainstream employment.

The transgender community in Bangladesh remains largely marginalized, with an estimated population of around 12,000, though advocacy groups believe the number could exceed 15,000. Transgender individuals face exclusion not only socially but also from key religious and cultural spheres, leading to a severe gap in access to education. A Prothom Alo report highlights that approximately 80% of transgender people in Bangladesh are denied formal education and healthcare services, often due to rejection by both family members and society at large.

Educational and Employment Barriers

Access to formal education and institutional qualifications are critical prerequisites for entering the job market in Bangladesh. However, because most transgender individuals are deprived of educational opportunities, they face an uphill battle in meeting these employment criteria. Those few who manage to secure jobs encounter significant workplace discrimination and harassment. This hostility manifests in various ways, from colleagues refusing to engage with them to limited access to gender-appropriate facilities, such as restrooms.

In 2013, the Bangladeshi government introduced a policy recognizing transgender individuals as a third gender, a landmark decision aimed at facilitating better support. However, implementation has remained largely ineffective, leaving the transgender community to struggle with the same issues they have long faced. As a result, many transgender individuals continue to live in poor conditions, relying on informal means of support to survive.

Double standards in workplace dynamics add another layer of discrimination for transgender individuals. Unlike their male and female colleagues, transgender employees often miss out on fair promotions or career advancement opportunities. A report by Samakal underscores this discrepancy, noting that about 75% of transgender youth in Bangladesh are denied employment, leading many to experience heightened levels of stress, depression, and eventually, an exit from mainstream work.

Entrepreneurship and the Challenge of Social Acceptance

The challenges faced by transgender individuals are not limited to traditional employment. Starting a business or entrepreneurship venture presents a daunting task due to deep-seated social prejudices. Consequently, many in the transgender community are forced to turn to street-based work for their income. According to a Welfare Association report, about 85% of transgender people in Bangladesh are involved in begging or sex work, largely due to limited employment prospects. Mr. Habib, a prominent advocate, stated, “Hijras have become accustomed to a culture that has seen humans reach the moon, yet they remain deprived of basic rights.” His words underscore the stark contrast between progress in other spheres and the stagnation of transgender rights in Bangladesh.

While some organizations are working to promote transgender employment, these efforts will struggle to achieve lasting change without a broader shift in societal attitudes. Professor Shah Ahsan Habib, a sociologist at Dhaka University, highlights that despite parliamentary recognition, the transgender community remains bound by legal and social constraints, which perpetuate their hardship and restrict their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

Paths Forward: Creating Inclusive Spaces and Opportunities

Advocates argue that for meaningful change, the government and society must work collaboratively to create inclusive workplaces and opportunities for transgender individuals. This includes offering job-oriented training and ensuring access to resources in a safe environment where transgender employees feel valued. Additionally, employers should prioritize creating non-discriminatory workplaces that respect gender diversity, a move that would foster a sense of dignity and self-respect among transgender individuals.

In tandem with these efforts, greater support for educational initiatives could empower transgender youth to pursue career paths beyond begging and other marginalized roles. Targeted scholarships, mentorship programs, and skills training could pave the way for better integration of transgender people into mainstream society.

Building Social Awareness and Empathy

Public perception remains one of the biggest barriers to progress. A shift in societal attitudes is essential for achieving real change, as the stigma against transgender individuals prevents them from fully participating in community life. This includes advocating for the normalization of transgender presence in educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces. Awareness campaigns led by educational institutions, NGOs, and the media could play a critical role in reducing stigma and increasing empathy toward the transgender community.

Schools and universities could introduce programs that educate students about the challenges faced by transgender individuals and the importance of inclusivity. Additionally, media platforms could be instrumental in reshaping public attitudes, providing transgender individuals with a voice, and humanizing their stories.

Legal Protections and Social Welfare Programs

The government has a role in establishing and enforcing policies that protect the rights of transgender people. While the 2013 third-gender policy was a positive step, its full potential remains unrealized. To make tangible progress, policymakers must focus on creating specific legal protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare.

The introduction of social welfare programs tailored to the transgender community could also alleviate some of the economic pressures they face. These programs might include financial assistance, access to counseling services, and vocational training. If effectively implemented, such initiatives could help reduce the community’s reliance on street-based income sources.

A Way Forward

The transgender community in Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. While the government has taken initial steps to recognize them legally, significant work remains in ensuring they are truly included within society. Addressing the discrimination and barriers that transgender individuals face requires commitment from all sectors—government, businesses, and society at large.

It is time for Bangladesh to build a future that fully embraces its transgender citizens, enabling them to live dignified and empowered lives. With a holistic approach that combines social awareness, legislative action, and educational and economic inclusion, the country can move closer to achieving equality for all its people.

Debjani Kurchi Kakon is a student at Mirpur Cantonment Public School and College, Dhaka. She can be reached at dekurchi1@gmail.com