Brihonnola, an organisation working for the inclusion of transgender people with support from Uttaran Foundation, arranged the programme titled ‘Cleanliness Campaign by the TG Community’ at Shoparjito Swadhinota Chattar. 

More than a hundred students from different universities also participated in the campaign to highlight the importance of protecting the environment. 

It was followed by a colourful rally where transgender community members from Dhaka and the students held banners and placards urging people to step up for saving environment.  

They also demanded increased acceptance of the transgender community.
 
Sagarika, one of the members of the transgender community, said they are forced to choose a pitiful lifestyle as they are shunned by the society.

“Each one of us has been humiliated and secluded because of a fate we didn’t choose. Our fraternity is the only place where we aren’t ridiculed,” Sagarika told the rally. 

She said people should grow compassion for transgender children akin to physically or mentally challenged children because they too have the right to live. 

Another transgender community member said the scope of employment for the third gender should be increased.  

Sadikul Islam, President of Brihonnola, said the young generation is realising the terrible fate of the country’s transgender community. 

“We’ll continue our movement for their inclusion in the mainstream. I hope that many will come forward to raise voice for the transgender community,” he added. 

A cultural event was held at the end of the programme where transgender community members participated alongside the students. 

Founded in 2017, Brihonnola aims to provide education and training to the transgender community. It currently has over 100 transgender beneficiaries and more than 50 members and volunteers.