An organization called 'Sustha Jiban' has called for the nomination of Hijras and Transgenders in the reserved seats for women in the upcoming 12th Jatiya Sangsad(JS) elections.
In a press conference organized on Saturday (November 18) at Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Hall of Jatiya Press Club with the support of 'Manush Aayi Foundation' and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Parvati Ahmed, chairman of 'Sustha Jiban', said in a written statement at the press conference, "Though there is a lot of positive acceptance of Hijra and Transgender women at present, it has not reached the desired level. We deeply realize that without the participation of this community at the policy-making stage, it is not possible to take real action in the national development plan in full.
She also said, 'Our development is the development of society. And collective cooperation is needed to accelerate the development of the country through the development of the society. We hope to get everyone's cooperation and full support in securing our reserved seat in the Sacred Parliament of Bangladesh through this program today. I am calling on the political parties to nominate representatives of the Hijra community in the next parliament.
She said that since 2000, the organization (Healthy Life) has been working to ensure socio-economic development, legal assistance, human rights and participation of all levels of the society of the neglected and backward Hijra community. The results of its multi-dimensional activities will contribute to sustainable development and achieving the desired goals.