Third gender persons can be MPs: Minister

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Bangla Tribune Report
Published : 17:40, Sep 14, 2018 | Updated : 17:46, Sep 14, 2018

Third gender persons can be MPs: MinisterThe transgender people, commonly known as Hijras, can become the members of parliament, Social Welfare Minister Raashed Khan Menon said.
“Bangladesh is one of the emerging markets among the developing countries. Our per capital income stands at $1,752 with a 7.65 percent GDP growth. So, why our Hijras will stay neglected and untouchable in the society,” he said on Friday (Sept 14).
Speaking while exchanging view with Hijra community leaders at his city residence, Menon said, “If a failure state like Pakistan can make third gender person lawmakers so it’s possible in Bangladesh too.”
The leaders drew the minister’s attention to their problems including inheritance law, social barrier to funeral rites, travelling abroad, and enrolment to school and colleges.
The minister ordered the project director of the Hijra Living Standard Development Program to resolve the problems immediately.
On Jul 10, the Election Commission added the ‘third gender’ in its electoral roll nearly four and a half years after the government officially recognised the ‘hijra’ community on Nov 13, 2013.

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