United News of Bangladesh

The Pentagon will immediately begin moving as many as 1,000 openly identifying transgender service members out of the military and give others 30 days to self-identify under a new directive issued Thursday. Buoyed by Tuesday’s Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals in the military, the Defense Department will begin going through medical records to identify others who haven’t come forward. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who issued the latest memo, made his views clear after the court’s decision. “No More Trans @ DoD,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. Earlier in the day, before the court acted, Hegseth said that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind. “No more pronouns,” he told a special operations forces conference in Tampa. “No more dudes in dresses. We’re done with that s---.” Department officials have said it’s difficult to determine exactly how many transgender service members there are, but medical records will show those who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, who show symptoms or are being treated. Those troops would then be involuntarily forced out of the service. And no one with that diagnosis will be allowed to enlist. Gender dysphoria occurs when a person’s biological sex does not match up with their gender identity. Tagore's 164th birth anniv celebrated at DU Officials have said that as of Dec. 9, 2024, there were 4,240 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria in the active duty, National Guard and Reserve. But they acknowledge the number may be higher. There are about 2.1 million total troops serving. The memo released Thursday mirrors one sent out in February, but any action was stalled at that point by several lawsuits. The Supreme Court ruled that the administration could enforce the ban on transgender people in the military, while other legal challenges proceed. The court’s three liberal justices said they would have kept the policy on hold. Neither the justices in the majority or dissent explained their votes, which is not uncommon in emergency appeals. When the initial Pentagon directive came out earlier this year, it gave service members 30 days to self-identify. Since then, about 1,000 have done so. In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the 1,000 troops who already self-identified “will begin the voluntary separation process” from the military. Under the new guidelines, active duty troops will have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve will have until July 7. While it may be difficult to see which troops have changed their gender identity in their military records, it will be easier to determine who has gotten a gender dysphoria diagnosis because that will be part of their medical record, as will any medication they are taking. Between 2015 and 2024, the total cost for psychotherapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other treatment for service members is about $52 million, according to a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues. Pentagon officials in an earlier memo defended the ban, saying that “the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service.”  

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has strongly condemned the recent murder of Ayub Ali, a 47-year-old transgender woman. The brutal killing happened on October 12 in Tangail, the France-based group said in a statement received here on Friday. Ayub Ali’s body, bearing signs of violence, was discovered the next morning in an abandoned house near the new bus stand area of Tangail. According to police, her body was found with a cloth tightly wrapped around her neck, suggesting she may have been strangled after a struggle. A murder case has been filed, and investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. Robert Simon, French LGBT rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, expressed his outrage, stating that the murder is not only an attack on Ayub Ali but highlights the persistent danger faced by transgender people in Bangladesh and globally. “This crime reflects the deep-rooted discrimination and violence that the transgender community continues to endure,” he said. Simon alsemphasizesed that Ayub Ali’s determination to overcome adversity exemplifies the urgent need for societal change, asserting that “no one should face such a fate simply for living their truth.” Originally from Bhavanipur Patuli in Tangail Sadar Upazila, Ayub Ali faced societal rejection and limited job opportunities due to her gender identity. Like many in her community, she initially earned a living by collecting money in markets and on public transportation. Seeking a more dignified means of livelihood, Ayub Ali started a small cloth business, selling fabrics in rural areas and participating in festival sales during Eid and Puja. She was also an active performer, joining dance groups and acting in traditional “Yatrapala” performances, where she took on female roles. Read: Rights group JMBF demands release of Asaduzzaman Noor, Shahriar Kabir, journalists Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France, condemned the murder as a violation of Ayub Ali’s fundamental right to live with dignity and safety. He urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure swift justice and address the systemic violence against the transgender community. “We stand in solidarity with Ayub Ali’s family and the transgender community in Bangladesh. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the government must take concrete steps to protect the rights and lives of marginalized communities,” Islam said. In its statement, JMBF called on the Bangladeshi government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and take immediate steps to improve the safety and protection of transgender individuals. The organization stressed that Ayub Ali’s life story is a painful reminder of the prejudice and violence transgender individuals continue to face, but her resilience and pursuit of a better life remain an inspiration. Read more: JMBF condemns JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap event disruption JMBF reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights, stating it will continue to work toward a world where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can live free from fear and violence.

In Bangladesh, where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched, transgender people face extraordinary challenges in achieving educational and economic success. A study conducted by researchers from the Dhaka University highlights the critical barriers transgender people face as they strive for academic attainment. The study, led by Sadikul Islam, Brihonnola, Muhammed Mahbubur Rahaman and Md Arifur Rahman from the Institute of Education and Research, focuses on the untold experiences of transgender students, bringing to light a story of perseverance, aspiration, and systemic failure. Barriers The study, published in Teacher’s World: Journal of Education, focuses on eight adult transgender participants, most of whom identify as Hijra, a gender identity that has existed in South Asia for centuries. Despite an unquenchable thirst for education, the study reveals that transgender individuals in Bangladesh face widespread discrimination within educational institutions. Common challenges include being forced to falsify their sex identities, harassment from peers, and ignorance or indifference from teachers. These barriers severely hinder their ability to integrate into academic settings, resulting in diminished educational aspirations. The researchers utilised in-depth interviews and interpretive phenomenological analysis to assess the extent of the problem. Economic hardship and poverty compound the difficulties faced by transgender individuals, forcing many to abandon their studies prematurely. DU admission test: Students demand cancellation of  transgender quota Although Bangladesh officially recognised transgender people as a third gender in 2014, and granted them the right to vote in a separate category in 2020, these legal recognitions have not translated into meaningful changes within educational institutions. According to the study, societal stigmas remain deeply rooted, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion for the transgender community. Role of Families and Institutions The study highlights the critical role of both families and educational institutions in either supporting or undermining transgender people’s aspirations. The experiences shared by the participants indicate that the lack of acceptance from families can be just as damaging as the exclusion faced in schools. Without family support, many transgender individuals struggle to overcome the societal barriers that prevent them from pursuing an education. For the authors, creating an inclusive environment within both social and educational settings is essential for breaking the cycle of marginalisation. They argue that educational reforms alone will not suffice; broader societal acceptance of transgender rights is necessary to ensure that transgender students can access safe, supportive learning environments. The researchers call for greater understanding, empathy and policy changes to foster a system where transgender individuals can thrive without the constant threat of discrimination. Read more: Amid support and challenges, mosque for hijra community opens in Mymensingh Employment Challenges Another study, Employability of Transgender in Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects by Fariha Abedin and Md Atiqur Rahman Sarker, investigates the employment challenges faced by transgender individuals in Bangladesh. The study discusses the limited employment opportunities available to transgender people, who remain largely excluded from formal job markets due to their lack of education and professional skills. Despite the hardships, there are glimmers of hope. The government, along with organisations like the SME Foundation, the Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation and the National Skill Development Council, have initiated programmes aimed at improving the skills and employability of transgender individuals. These initiatives, which include financial and technical support for entrepreneurship, are helping to create pathways for transgender people to participate in the workforce. While these initiatives offer some hope, the overall picture remains grim. The majority of transgender individuals in Bangladesh remain uneducated, unemployed, and marginalised. The researchers point out that even those transgender individuals who manage to secure jobs are often relegated to blue-collar positions, with limited prospects for career advancement. The underlying issue is that societal perceptions of transgender people have yet to shift significantly, and as a result, their contributions in the formal economy are undervalued. Steps Towards Inclusion The authors of both studies argue that more needs to be done to ensure transgender individuals can access education and employment on an equal footing with their cisgender peers. For example, although some transgender people have begun working in sectors such as the beauty industry, hospitality, and ready-made garments, these are exceptions rather than the rule. The inclusion of transgender people in Bangladesh's economy and educational institutions is still in its infancy. The participants in the employability study expressed a common plea: to be treated with respect, provided with opportunities, and allowed to live and work as full members of society. As one respondent, referred to as P3, poignantly stated, “Please, give us the platform, give us hopes and respect. Allow us to be enlightened. We are as normal as you, and we can definitely work and live a normal life.” The research underscores the importance of creating targeted policies that address the specific needs of the transgender community, from education to employment. Although transgender people in Bangladesh were officially recognised as a third gender, the researchers emphasise that legal recognition alone is insufficient to change traditional societal attitudes. They call for the government, policymakers, and civil society to take a more active role in promoting transgender rights and ensuring their social inclusion. A Long Road Ahead The studies highlight the long road ahead for Bangladesh in terms of creating an inclusive society where transgender individuals can fully participate in educational and economic life. The existing initiatives, while encouraging, are still far from sufficient. For real change to take place, society must confront its biases and create opportunities for transgender people to contribute to the nation’s development. Read more: Digital media as a pathway to economic empowerment for Bangladesh's hijra community

Bangladesh's Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel today (January 23, 2024) addressed the media regarding the ongoing controversy over a story featured in a textbook. “We plan to consult with experts about the story of Sharifa discussed in the textbook. If there's any confusion or misrepresentation, changes will be made,” Chowdhury told reporters at the Secretariat. The story of Sharifa previously sparked debate, and currently, some are protesting over its content. The Education Minister emphasized the need for a thorough discussion with National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) to understand why the story is eliciting such reactions. Read more: UGC team investigates IU VC’s corruptions in teacher recruitment He expressed concern about certain groups’ tendency to exploit religious sentiments and instigate instability and anarchy in the country, and said, “A few days ago, some recommendations were given to me from an organization. Some Qawmi madrasa teachers claimed that the word ‘transgender’ has been used in the textbook. However, upon examination, it was clarified that the term used was ‘third gender’.” “In our society, third gender individuals, commonly known as ‘Hijra,’ are legally recognized citizens with rights," Minister Chowdhury clarified. He further added, “If the presentation of the story leads to misunderstandings and controversies, we will discuss with experts whether we can modify its presentation while respecting the dignity of the third gender individuals. This is a specialized issue, and we don’t want to comment at a policy level.” Responding to a question about the BRAC University controversy, the Education Minister said, “We will discuss this matter with BRAC University and understand the issue through the University Grants Commission, following which a detailed discussion will be held.” Read more: Govt changes class schedule for primary schools due to cold wave

Anilya Boro may not have won the crown at India’s Miss Trans NE pageant this year, but having her parents there in support was a validation in its own right. “I must prove to my parents that I can do something as a girl,” said the 22-year-old. “I didn’t win a title, but I am very happy that my parents were at the show to support me. Now they have accepted my decision to live as a girl and undergo surgery, but they don’t want me to rush through.” Twenty transgender women sashayed on a stage dressed as ethnic and tribal characters in the beauty pageant, drawing rounds of applause from the audience. The contestants came from India’s remote eight northeastern states, some of them nestled in the Himalayas in a relatively undeveloped region known for its stunning natural vistas. The event on Wednesday promoted the beauty and uniqueness of the northeastern region and community pride to uplift the transgender community, said Ajan Akash Barauah, the organizer. It wasn’t easy to hold the show with no corporate funding. Ajan turned to friends and organizations supporting the transgender cause to finance the pageant.

Tasnuva Anan Shishir walked on the ramp of New York City Fashion Week as the first Bangladeshi trans model. She achieved this feat by participating in the show held in New York on the 13th February 2022. The background of her success is not like the story of random successful people. Let's get to know about her life story along with this outstanding success. The story of a Tasnuva Anan Shishir June 16, 1991; The baby born in Bagerhat, Khulna was named Kamal Hossain. Before he reached the high school level, Kamal began to feel the presence of femininity throughout his movements and attire. It was not well accepted by the people, even his family. At one point, Kamal Hossain had to leave the house thinking of the prestige of his parents. He came to Narayanganj from Bagerhat and studied social work there at Government Tolaram College. After completing the Honors and Masters, he received another one-year Master's degree in Public Health from BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health. Throughout this period, Kamal has expressed himself in front of society as a woman. Then, at the end of 2016, he finally made up his mind. In Calcutta, on the advice of a doctor, he transformed physically from Kamal Hossain to Tasnuva Anan Shishir. Read:Perfect Hair Color: Ways to find out and making the most of it Later, at one stage of her career, she got acquainted with the famous drama director Chayanika Chowdhury. In regard to this acquaintance, she got the opportunity to enter the newsroom of Baishakhi TV. Participation at New York City Fashion Week Tasnuva traveled to North America to receive the award for Best Bangladeshi News Presenter at the invitation of Showtime Music. That's when she happened to get the news from New York City Fashion Week. Every year in February and September, this international event is held in Manhattan, New York City. Omar Chowdhury, the strategic partner of this world-renowned event, and Ariful Islam, executive producer of 4M TV USA, invited Tasnuva Anan to join the ramp. Since Shishir does not have a work permit in the United States, this invitation was made for a guest appearance. Read:10 Tips to Make Your Perfume Last Longer Plutz's Fashion Marketing was in the production of this grand event titled 'Plitz New York City Fashion Week'. Tasnuva Anan Shishir took part as the first Bangladeshi trans model with models from different countries. She was wearing a dress designed by the famous costume designer Oscar Gonzalez Montanez. The theme of the dress was decided based on Valentine's Day. The chosen colors are black, white, and red. Tasnuva wore two outfits on the day of the event; One was a gown, and another was a winter hoodie. Read:Woke revolution: The latest fad in fashion! Ideal for breaking the shackles of stereotyped society In adolescence, she could easily carry out activities including tuition and dance like other boys. But after becoming a trans woman, life became even more critical for Tasnuva. She used to work as a voice artist which was stopped eventually; as she was not getting any call from the programs. Tasnuva had no proper communication with her other four sisters and one brother. All of her siblings were busy with their family and children. Even when she got a chance to talk to her siblings for a couple of minutes a year, they used to avoid sharing each other's addresses. Although there was no way to meet in person, Tasnuva herself had been taking care of her parents.  Though Tasnuva faced innumerable difficulties imposed by society, nothing could stop her talent. With hard work and perseverance, a new dawn broke in Tasnuva's life.  Read Contact Lenses: Side Effects & Danger Hope for Transgender Cimmunity Tasnuva Anan Shishir has been continuing her dance, which was discontinued in childhood. She has acted in a movie named 'Kasai'. Currently, she is working with various well-known brands. All in all, she is constantly overcoming all obstacles and moving forward with her best efforts. Now more transgender people are following the path shown by Tasnuva Anan Shishir. People who have been oppressed by thousands of contempt for ages have started to think about life anew. This international recognition of Tasnuva Shishir is not only a beacon of hope for this particular community, it is a huge progress in the fashion industry for the whole country. In fact, class, religion, caste, and community should not be the determinant of a person's identity and respect. Read How Do Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes?

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members have arrested three people from the city’s Farmgate and Mohakhali areas in connection with torturing  popular transgender beauty vlogger Saad Mua. RAB Headquarters Assistant Director (Media) ASP Imran Khan said that three people including Ishtiaq Amin Fuad were arrested during a drive that started on Saturday night and ended on Sunday morning. On Friday, transgender beauty vlogger Saad Mua claimed that she was held captive and tortured by a man and a woman she met at a restaurant in the city's Bashundhara residential area four days ago. READ: SaadMua: The First Male Beauty Blogger of Bangladesh In her police complaint, Saad claimed that the man and the woman later invited her to their house for lunch. And when she went to their house, the accused allegedly held her captive, snatched her bag and cell phone, and also tortured her. Based on her complaint, a case was filed at Vatara police station against the accused on Friday. Officer-in-charge of Vatara police station, Sajedur Rahman said that if the allegations turned out to be true, "then legal action will be taken against the accused". On Friday night, Saad posted the photos of the two accused on her Facebook wall and narrated her ordeal on the social media platform. On Facebook, she identified the woman as Saima Sikder Nira, a student of Daffodil International University, and the man as Ishtiaq Fuad, a former Air Force official and a student of North South University. READ: Transgender beauty vlogger held captive, tortured in Dhaka Saad also wrote that the two were in touch with another man named Rafat Bin Nur on walkie-talkie and "their intention was to sell me". "I later came to know that Rafat is an Army man and is currently out of the country on a mission." Saad Mua makes various videos on beauty care, including makeup tutorials.

Transgender beauty vlogger Saad Mua has claimed that she was held captive and tortured by a man and a woman she met at a restaurant in the city's Bashundhara residential area four days ago. In her police complaint, Saad claimed that the man and the woman later invited her to their house for lunch. And when she went to their house, the accused allegedly held her captive, snatched her bag and cell phone, and also tortured her. Based on her complaint, a case was filed at Vatara police station against the accused on Friday. Officer-in-charge of Vatara police station, Sajedur Rahman said that if the allegations turned out to be true, "then legal action will be taken against the accused". In fact, on Friday night, Saad posted the photos of the two accused on her Facebook wall and narrated her ordeal on the social media platform. READ: SaadMua: The First Male Beauty Blogger of Bangladesh On Facebook, she identified the woman as Saima Sikder Nira, a student of Daffodil International University, and the man as Ishtiaq Fuad, a former Air Force official and a student of North South University. Saad also wrote that the two were in touch with another man named Rafat Bin Nur on walkie-talkie and "their intention was to sell me". "I later came to know that Rafat is an Armyman and is currently out of the country on a mission." READ: Stabbing leaves transgender woman dead in Cumilla: Police Saad Mua makes various videos on beauty care, including makeup tutorials.

Tashnuva Anan Shishir, who made history in becoming Bangladesh’s first-ever transgender woman news presenter on a television channel, has been featured in the prestigious Time Magazine's top 100 best photos of 2021. "I am super excited for this global recognition for myself and my community, especially as someone who came from a very root level,” said Tasnuva sharing her joy with UNB.She started broadcasting the regular news bulletin at the private satellite television channel Boishakhi Television on March 8, marking theInternational Women’s Day. The US-based Time magazine featured a photo of her clicked by AFP Dhaka photographer Munir Uz Zaman on March 8 in the Boishakhi TV newsroom, accompanied by her co-workers wearing the same themed sarees marking the day. Also read: Tashnuva Anan makes history as first transgender woman to present the news in Bangladesh“Tashnuva Anan Shishir made history as Bangladesh's first transgender television news anchor by reading a three-minute news segment in Dhaka on March 8, International Women’s Day. Munir Uz Zaman—AFP/Getty Images,” Time captioned the image on its website.The image of Tasnuva in the Boishakhi TV newsroom with her colleagues, placed alongside moments such as George Flloyd's family cheering during the verdict, and the Taliban's walking in and standing together during evening prayers near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, is now being virtually displayed in an unranked list covering the most important and iconic 100 moments of the eventful 2021.In her reaction she told UNB "I am super excited for this global recognition for myself and my community, especially as someone who came from a very root level.” “Individuals from my community need to get the recognition they truly work hard for, and exposures like this will help me to work for the development of our people in the society, to ensure that they get what they deserve," Tasnuva said.She said she wanted to represent Bangladesh “beyond an unimaginable and glorious level; and with this kind global spotlight on the individuals like me, I believe our society will thrive towards community sustainability and community development in the near future, transcending the stereotypical barriers.".Tasnuva is currently pursuing higher studies in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the international platform Brac James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), Brac University, with her two earned scholarships in two categories. She is pursuing the degree along with Ho Chi Minh Islam, another iconic transgender woman in the country. Also read: Jhenaidah’s Ritu becomes first transgender UP chairman in BangladeshToday’s Tashnuva Anan Shishir challenged the identity of Kamal Hossain Shishir, her old self - and eventually came out as a trans-woman during her twenties, alongside starting her solo journey with social works, dance and theatre. She has been an active member of the renowned theatre troupe BotTala, and recently she has appeared on Anonno Mamun’s film ‘Koshai’ as a detective officer, and to be appeared on Syed Shahriar’s cinema ‘Goal’ where she will be seen as a football coach.In her illustrious career, she worked as the Case Management Officer in the Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP) from June 2020, worked as the project officer in Bandhu Social Welfare Society and also worked in other voluntary projects before for organizations including Sangat - A Feminist Network, Roopban, Oboyob and Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC). She also served as the Executive Officer for the National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh; Research Assistant for Re Think Bangladesh and ICDDR, B (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh), as well as the Cultural Facilitator for SEPP (Social Economic Enhancement Program).The 2021 listing of the top 100 images selected by the Time magazine can be found in this link - https://time.com/6123078/top-100-photos-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0_qtrgHhsq6Xu5wICBBgQNyTTdesb8ha05789x7sl36IlXC3UC48U0rKc.

Nazrul Islam Ritu, an independent candidate,  was elected as the first transgender Union Parishad chairman at Trilochonpur union of Jhenaidah’s Kaliganj upazila during the 3rd phase UP elections on Sunday. Ritu, 43, was elected as a chairman of the union bagging  9,557 votes with pineapple symbol while Awami League-backed candidate Nazrul Islam Sana, got 4,529 votes, said Md Abdus Salek, district election officer. Read: Aushkandi UP election finally held: AL’s Delwar Hossain elected as chairman Ritu had to leave her village and move to Dhaka’s Demra at the age of five. However, she frequently visits Jhenaidah to stay connected with Trilochanpur people. Locals said Ritu has been providing financial assistance to the helpless people of different villages of Trilochanpur Union for the 15 years and thus she became popular among local people. Talking to UNB, Ritu said, "I have won the election as a transgender person. Now, I want to serve the people of my union for the rest of my life." She said the government has given the right to vote  and various opportunities to the transgender community members. “I have no regret for being a transgender person.” “The AL-backed candidate and his supporters obstructed me in many ways. However, there has been a fair election because of the administration,” she added. Earlier, another transgender, Pinki Khatun, was elected vice chairman of Kotchandpur upazila in Jhenaidah. Read: Shahida Bibi becomes first transgender UP member in Khulna On November 13, Shahida Begum became the first transgender person to get elected as member of Maguraghona Union Parishad-6 in Khulna district. A guideline was approved in 2013 at cabinet committee for granting Hijra or transgenders state recognition. Following that, in January, 2014, government issued a gazette granting state recognition to the transgender community. In 2019, the Election Commission decided to enlist third gender as a gender identity in the voter list along with male and female.