m úv`kxq EDITORIAL 13 Zg el 1g msl v RyjvB - m Þ ^i 2016

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1 TQBOEPO jw½k w`k _ K ˆewPÎ Ges wnrov Rb Mvôxi ^v Ges mvgvwrk mev cö`vb welqk ÎgvwmK cwîkv A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES OF GENDER DIVERSIFIED AND HIJRA POPULATION) 13 Zg el 1g msl v RyjvB - m Þ ^i th YEAR 1st EDITION JULY SEPTEMBER 2016 EDITORIAL "Whatever you want to do, do with full passion and work really hard towards it. Don't look anywhere else. There will be a few distractions, but if you can be true to yourself, you will be successful for sure". With that beautiful note we are glad to let you know that, Bandhu published their third quarterly newsletter. We would like to convey our heartiest thanks and gratitude to each and every compeer of our journey. In this edition of Spandon, some of Bandhu's current programs and events have been published briefly along with some international event news which defrays great magnitude to our motive. By reading this newsletter the reciter will get a vivid notion of how Bandhu is working nationally and internationally. For the successful publication of the quarterly newsletter, we would like to show appreciation to the writers and editorial team who have made this turn out. At the same time, we convey our advance thanks and gratitude to our readers as they are the only source of our inspiration for this publication. m úv`kxq ÒAvcwb hv-b Ki Z Pvbbv Kb, Zv c~y Av em w` q Kiæb Ges IB KvRwU Z mdj nevi R b cök Z A _ B K Vvi cwikªg Ki Z n e Gmgq Ab wkqzi K_v fve eb bv ev Ab Kvb w` K ZvKv eb bv Gmgq Ab Kvb ikg wpë we ÿc n Z cv i, wkš Avcwb wb Ri cöwz mr n j Avcbvi Kv R mdj n eb-b Ó GB PgrKvi A_ c~y K_v jv w` q Avgiv Avcbv `i Avb `i mv _ Rvbv Z PvB h, eüz Zvi 2016 mv ji (13Zg e l i cö_g msl v) Z Zxq ˆÎgvwmK wbdr juviwu cökvk Ki Z hv Qvgv `i GB hvîvc _ mkj mn hvmx `i K cövyxvjv ab ev` Rvbv Z PvB ú ` bi GB msl vq eüzõi wkqz PjwZ Kg m~wp I Abyôvbvw` Ges mb mv _ AvšÍR vwzk wkqz NUbvi msev `i mswÿßmvi cökvk KiwQ hv Avgv `i g bvfve m ú K wkqz aviyv w` Z mg_ n e GB wbdr juviwu co Z co Z GKRb cvvk mwvkfv e Rvb Z ev eys Z cvi eb wkfv e eüz RvZxq I AvšÍR vwzk ch v q KvR K i hv Q GB ˆÎgvwmK wbdr juviwui mdj cökvkbvi R b Avgiv Gi mv _ hy³ jlk I m úv`kxq `j K cöksmv Rvbv Z PvB, KviY Zv `i AK vší cwikö gb GB KvRwU mdjzvi gyl ` L Q GKB mv _ Avgiv Avgv `i cvvk `i AMÖxg ab ev` I K ZÁZv Ávcb KiwQ KviY, ZvivB Avgv `i GB cökvkbvq Drmvn hvmv bvi GKgvÎ Drm SPANDON 1

2 BANDHU IN July-September 2016 CBO s Capacity Building and Advocacy Program by GF-MSA Project of Bandhu; We trained 95 people as a part of livelihood ini a ve including 19 Community Workers 76 Emergent CBOs and in country downstream partners Health Care Service provided by GF-NFM Project of Bandhu; Received Services Beneficiaries Advocacy Mee ng with 233 GO and NGO Stakeholders including 11 Legal aid provider and 8 representa ves from human rights based organiza ons 12 Media Journalists 42 Health Professionals which includes Civil Surgeon, Residen al Medical Officers, Upazilla Health and Family Planning Officer from Govt. Hospitals 80 City Mayor, Ward Counselors, and Hijra representa ve 50 Governmental officials, Counselors of City Corpora on, Civil Surgeon and health service provider representa ve, Social Welfare representa ve, and representa ve from development organiza on 30 Emergent CBOs and in country downstream partners Legal Support 163 Calls received and provided legal informa on, counseling and support 13 Cases received on human rights viola on 2 Cases were referred to lawyers and legal aid providing organiza on Participated in Group Education Session (GES) 1007 Beneficiaries Received HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services and knows their results 1509 Beneficiaries STIs diagnosed, treated and counseled at Field Office/DIC/Sub-DIC/Outlet level 1509 Episodes 6 CBO s achieved Minimum Capacity through Community System Strengthening by GF-MSA Project: 1. Arpon Manob Kallyan Sangstha (AMKS)- Jessore 2. Agragami Samajik Unnayan Sangha (ASUS)- Sirajgonj 3. Pro va Manob Kallan Sangtha (PMKS)- Narore 4. Pabna Sobuj Sanghu (PSS)- Pabna 5. Setu Bondhon Kallyan Songho (SBKS)- Mymensingh 6. Padma Kuri Hijra Sangha (PKHS)- Dhaka 2

3 Issuing passport by mentioning 3rd gender is a great practical application of B a n g l a d e s h Government's 3rd gender policy. It is precisely a great initiative towards recognizing and establishing social rights and sustaining their identity of the gender diverse population against stigmatization and societal persecution in the moderately conservative social and religious context of our country. This embryonic and unerring identity through their passport will also reflect in their personal life. This precious step will help them to be sentient to express their rights and show our society a vexation towards building an auspicious ambience for the gender diverse population. Z Zxq wj½t ïayb GKwU kã bq, evsjv ` k GLb ^xk Z ˆjw½K cwipq Z Zxq RÛvi ev wj½ wn m e D jøl K i wnrov `i cvm cvu `qvi welqwu evsjv `k mikv ii Z Zxq wj ½i ^xk wzi GKwU we kl D jøl hvm I ev Íe cöwzdjb wewfbœgly x wj½ ˆewP Îi gvbyl `i cwipq I UKmB mvgvwrk AwaKvi cöwzwôz Kivi ÿ Î GwU GKwU D jøl hvm c` ÿc GKB mv _ ejv hvq h, Avgv `i ` ki mvgvwrk I ag xq cöÿvc U RÛvi ˆewP Îi gvbyl `i h Kzms vi I mvgvwrk wbh vz bi wkkvi n Z n Zv mikv ii GB c` ÿ ci d j Zviv A bkvs kb iÿv cv e e j g b Kiv hvq cvm cv U i gva g Zv `i GB gšwjk I wbf j y cwipq cöwzwôz nevi d j Zv Zv `i e w³ Rxe bi cöwzdjb NUv e GB AwZ g~j evb c` ÿ ci d j Zviv Zv `i AwaKvi m ú K gz cökv ki my hvm cv e Ges mb mv _ Avgv `i mgv R RÛvi ˆewP Îi gvbyl `i R b GKwU BwZevPK cwi ek m wó Ki Z mg_ n e 3rd Gender is not a word, it is a Gender in Bangladesh S PA N D O N 3

4 International Youth Day 2016 "The youth is the hope of our future" 11th August 2016: a Group Discussion Session took place at Conference room, Bandhu Head Office. Group discussion established with the very imperative issue "Comprehensive Sexuality Education" along with "Social Personal Hygiene of Youth and Adolescent". The discussion was conducted by Ms. Rifat Afrin, Mr. Md.Rofiqul Islam Royal, and Mr. Nabakumar Dutta. 11 AvM 2016 eüzõi cöavb Kvh vj qi m jb K ÿ AvšÍR vwzk hye w`em 2016 Dcj ÿ GKwU Av jvpbv mfv AbywôZ nq GB Av jvpbvq LyeB iæz c~y `yõwu welq hgb, Òmvwe K hšb welqk wkÿvó Ges Òhyev I Ziæb `i mvgvwrk e w³mz ^v Ó wb q Av jvpbv nq wgm widvz Avdwib, Rbve gvt iwdkzj Bmjvg i qj Ges Rbve bekzgvi `Ë eüzi cÿ _ K Av jvpk wn m e Dcw Z wq jb wewfbœ wkÿv cöwzôvb n Z ek wkqz QvÎ-QvÎx GB Av jvpbvq AskMÖnb K ib Zviv KvMR w` q wewfbœ Ljbv ˆZix K i m jvi mv _ Zv `i Rxe bi mvhyr cökvk Kiv Póv K ib Ges GB Ljbv jvi g a wqj bškv, Wªvb, kvu, e vo I wî KvbvK wzi ev G Z `Lv hvq h, AwaKvsk Ziæb wkqz cö kœi DËi Ly u R cvevi Póv Ki Q, wkš Zviv Ab `i KvQ _ K h_vh_ Z_ Ly u R c Z e _ nq Ges Ab `i KvQ _ K weåvwšíki Z_ c q Zviv wb R `i Wªvb wn m e g b Ki Z _v K GQvovI AskMÖnbKvixiv Zv `i Rxeb m ú K GB gz cökvk K i h, Zv `i cwiev ii m`m iv Rxe bi ïiæ _ KB GKwU mxgvbvi g a Ave K i ivlvi Póv K i Qb Zv `i gvzv-wczv Zviv wk is qi Kvco ci eb mb wm vší w` q Qb Ges wk Ljbv w` q Zviv Lj eb m m ú K I wm vší ZvivB w` q Qb GQvov mvwe K hšb wkÿv m ú K I Zv `i gvzv-wczv I AwffveK `i g a åvší aviyv Av Q z ji wkÿkivi hšb wkÿvi mv _ m úwk Z wkqz wkqz welq Gwo q hvb Participants from different educational institution attend the discussion through to make a paper toy and describe their life through linked with the toy (e.g. boat, drone, shirt, frog, triangle box). It was found out that, most of the adolescents were looking for some question answer, but s/he didn't get proper information from anyone and also people gave them confusing answer so they were feeling like drone. Moreover participants described his/her life that from the beginning their family tried to collapse them in a boundary. Parents decide what color they have to wear and what toy they need to play. Parents and guardians also have misconception related to comprehensive sexuality education. In school, AvšÍR vwzk hye w`em 2016t hye mgvrb Avgv `i fwel Zi Avkv 4

5 teachers also ignore some topic relate to Sexuality Education. Some conceptual knowledge have shown to the participants related to body image, what parents talk with us about our body image and what they skip. Participants recommended that, Comprehensive sexuality education should start from home. It would be great if CSE include in education curricula. Teachers need training. Arrange some forum discussion, peer group, in and out school. wkqz aviyvmz Ávb _ K `Lv hvq h, Zv `i kvixwik cöwzg~wz i mv _ Zzjbv K i Q, h jv Zv `i gvzvwczviv Zv `i kixi m ú K e j _v K Ges h jv Zviv Gwo q hvb Av jvpbv μ g AskMÖnbKvixiv wb wjwlz mycvwikmg~n D jøl K ibt mvwe K hšb wkÿvi welqwu evwo _ KB ïiæ niqv DwPZ mvwe K hšb wkÿv K cvvμ gi mv _ hy³ Kiv n j Zv A bk Kvh Ki n e Ges wkÿk `i GB wel q cöwkÿy cviqv cö qvrb z ji fzi ev evb i dvivg Av jvpbv, wcqvi ev mn hvmx `i g a Av jvpbvi e e v Kiv cö qvrb International Youth Day 2016: An Online Advocacy Campaign "There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." On 12th August 2016 is International Youth day. This year the theme of International Youth day 2016 is "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production," This year we celebrated international Youth Day by conducted online advocacy campaign on Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in Bangladesh. By the support from ARROW; Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and India have been participated in the online advocacy campaign on CSE. Bandhu has gone through an online discussion on twitter chat with common hashtag #SouthAsiaYouthTalk SRHR regarding the CSE of Bangladesh and youth need. AvšÍR vwzk hyek w`em 2016: Dcj ÿ AbjvBb A vw fv Kwm K v úbb ÒAvgv `i RM Z hše bi GKwU Sibv aviv i q Qt muv Avcbvi gb, Avcbvi cöwzfv, Avcbvi m wókxjzv hv Avcbv `i Ges mb me gvbyl `i g a i q Q hv `i Avcwb fv jvev mb Avcwb hlb GB Drm jv wvkg Zv AvuK o ai Z cvi eb ZLbB eys Z cvi eb Avcwb Avcbvi eqm K civwrz Ki Z c i Qb Ó MZ 12 AvM 2016 wqj AvšÍR vwzk hyek w`em AvšÍR vwzk hyek w`em 2016 Gi cöm½ K_v wqj Ò2030 mv ji c_hvîvt `vwi`ª `~ixkiy Ges LiP I Drcv` bi vqxz AR bó G eqi eüz evsjv ` k mvwe K hšb wkÿvi (wmgmb) Ici AbjvBb K v úb bi ga w` q AvšÍR vwzk hyek w`em D`hvcb K i Q A v iv (ARROW) Gi mn hvwmzvq evsjv `k, bcvj I fviz AbjvBb A vw fv Kwm K v úb b AskMÖnb K i hvi welq e wqj wmgmb ev mvwe K hšb wkÿv eüz UzBUv ii gva g GKwU Awfbœ n vku vm# mvd_ Gwkqv Bqy_UKGmAviGBPAvi Gi gva g evsjv ` k wmgmbõi Ae vb Ges hyev `i Pvwn`v wb q GB AbjvBb Av jvpbvi e e v K i eüz hyev I Ziæb `i Pvwn`v mvgvwrk I e w³mz ^v m ú K Z_ msmön Kivi D Ï k GKwU dmeyk B f U cr SPANDON 5

6 Bandhu also created a facebook event page for gather information on Social Personal Hygiene of youth and adolescence. This information helps in tweeting during the online discussion. So many issues proposed in the discussion about youth acceptance and country situation regarding comprehensive sexuality education. Some key discussion point was: Av jvpbvq h welqe jv D V Av m Zv n jvt CSE is yet to gain momentum in Bangladesh. Lack of adequate knowledge about CSE may cause vulnerable diseases Learning scope from parents, guardians & peers is also very narrow due to this hesitation & conservative norms rooted in the social culture. CSE education starts at home. End stigma. Start talking. Need to sensitize school teacher about CSE Youth friendly services need for the young adolescent to get proper information and so on. evsjv ` k wmgmb (mvwe K hšb wkÿv) GL bv cö qvrbxq MwZ c Z cv iwb wmgmb m ú K ch vß Ávb bv _vkvq A bk Szwu Kc~Y ivm nevi AvksKv i q Q mvgvwrk ms w Z Z wøav I iÿbkxj g bvfve we` gvb _vkvq gvzv-wczv, AwffveK I mn hvwm `i (wcqvi) KvQ _ K klvi welqwui AvksKvRbK ch v q i q Q wmgmb m úwk Z wkÿv wbr Ni _ KB ïiæ niqv cö qvrb Kzms vi `~i Kiæb K_v ejv ïiæ Kiæb h_vh_ Z_ I m úwk Z welq jv m ú K Rvbvi R b hyev I Ziæb `i eüzz cy~ mev cö qvrb Pvjy K i GB Z_ jv AbjvBb Av jvpbvi mgq UzBU Ki Z mvnvh K i Q G Kvi Y mvwe K hšb wkÿv m ú K hyev `i Kv Q MÖnb hvm Zv Ges `kxq cwiw wz m ú K Av jvpbvi mgq A bk gyj evb cö Ívebv D V Av m 6

7 Sub-Recipient (SR) Coordination Meeting in Bankok, Thailand e vsk K mve- iwmwc q U `i (GmAvi) mgš^q mfv MZ 22 I 23 m Þ ^i 2016 _vbj v Ûi e vsk K mkj mve- iwmwc q U `i (GmAvi) wb q gvwë-kvw Uª mvd_ Gwkqv Møvevj dvû GBPAvBwf (GgGmG) Kg mw~ Pi D ` v M mgš^q mfv AbywôZ nq D jøl h, Møvevj dvû I BDGbwWwc weavigbp Gi Pzw³ AvMvgx ww m ^i (2016) mgvß n Z hv Q, Z e bcv ji mf ` wpj Wªb 2017 mv ji R b Møvevj dv Ûi R b wbe vwpz n q Q Nearly 80 participants attended the two-day meeting, consisting of representatives from each programme sub-recipient, the Global Fund, UNDP, UNAIDS and Save the ChildrenNepal. From Bangladesh, a total of 4 participants attended the meeting. In the meeting Mr. Shale Ahmed, Executive Director, Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) participated a panel discussion as a panelists on Human Rights and Advocacy. Major objective of this discussion was the recent progress on human rights and advocacy, what can be done between now and the end of 2016, and what needs to continue in `yb w`b e vwc GB mfvq cövq 80 Rb AskMÖnb K ib, AskMÖnbKvix `i g a wq jb cöwzwu Kg mw~ P mve iwmwc q U msmvb, Møvevj dvû, BDGbwWwc, BDGbGBWm Ges mf ` wpj Wªb- bcvj Gi cöwzwbwaem evsjv `k _ K gvu PviRb GB mgš^q mfvq AskMÖnY K ib mfvq eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwuõi (eüz) wbe vnx cwipvjk Rbve mv jn Avn g` gvbevwakvi I A vw fv KwmÕi Ici GKwU c v bj Av jvpbvq c v bwj wn m e Av jvpbvq AskMÖnb K ib GB Av jvpbvi g~j D Ïk wqj gvbevwakvi I A vw fv Kwm m ú K mv úªwzk AMÖMwZ Ges 2016 mv ji g a wk wk Kiv h Z cv i Ges 2017 mv ji g a wk wk Kiv cö qvrb On behalf of MSA project-bangladesh, Umme Farhana Zarif Kanta, Programme Manager, presented a power point presentation on 'Achievement of Bangladesh'. In her presentation she highlighted some significant results those were achieved under the leadership of UNDP. GgGmG cökí-evsjv ` ki cÿ _ K cövmövg g v brvi D dvinvbv Rvwid KvšÍv Ôevsjv ` ki mdjzvõ kxl K GKwU ` k gvb Dc vcbv (cviqvi c q U) K ib D³ Dc vcbvi wzwb BDGbwWwcÕi bz Z hme D jøl hvm djvdj AwR Z n q Q m jv Zz j a ib On 22 September to 23 September 2016, the Multi-Country South Asia Global Fund HIV (MSA) Programme organized Coordination Meeting (SRCM) for its all Sub-Recipients in Bangkok, Thailand. The contract between GF and UNDP BRH will be ended in December 2016 and Save the Children Nepal is already been selected by the GF for S PA N D O N 7

8 "Our Way is Your Cooperation": A Divisional Level Consultation in Comilla PÆMÖvg wefv Mi wewfbœ wmweiõi mn hvwmzvq eüz 17 AvM 2016 Zvwi L GKwU wefvmxq ch v qi civgk mfvi Av qvrb K i Kzwgjøvi im Kv m i wbmv UvIqv i Aew Z iw iæd i Ívivuq GB civgk mfv AbywôZ nq wmwu K c v ikb, Rjv cökvm Ki Kvh vjq, wmwfj mvr bi Kvh vjq, vbxq msev` gva g, db_ jxwvi, wkÿk, AvBbRxex, wmwei m`m e `mn wewfbœ mikvix I emikvix msmv bi cöwzwbwaem GB civgk mfvq AskMÖnb K ib GB Kg mw~ Pi D Ïk wqj wmwei `i mÿgzv e w, hv Z K i Zviv cökz c ÿ GBPAvBwf cöwz iv a RvZxq mvovq Ae`vb ivl Z mÿg nq PÆMÖvg wefv Mi PviwU wmwei K GB mfvq Avgš Y Rvbv bv nq wmwei jv n Q Kzwgjøvi AwMœexYv mgvr Kj vb ms v, PÆMÖvg _ K m~ h i Av jv wnrov msn I PÆjv hye msn Ges K evrv ii wekwkz gvbe Kj vb ms v eüz Zv `i cöwzwbwa `i dviv gi mv _ cwipq Kwi q `q m~ h i Av jv wnrov msn mxw dvû MÖv U m ú K GKwU mswÿß ` k gvb Dc vcbv (cviqvi c q U) K i Kzwgjøvi WcywU wmwfj mvr b mfvq cöavb AwZw_ wn m e Dcw Z wq jb GQvov Kzwgjøvi mgvr Kj vy wefv Mi Dc Bandhu organized a Divisional Level Consultation Meeting in collaboration with different CBOs under Chittagong division on 17 August 2016 at Red Roof Restaurant (2nd Floor), Nisa Tower, Racecourse, Comilla. A total of 59 guests attended the meeting representing different GO and NGOs includes City Corporation, District Commissioner (DC) office, civil surgeon office, local media houses, Faith leaders, Teachers, Lawyers and CBO members. The objective of the program was to build the capacity of CBOs that will ultimately help them to contribute in national response of HIV prevention. As this was divisional level activities, so Bandhu invited four CBOs under Chittagong division (Agnibina Shomaj Kollayan Shongstha from Comilla, Shurjer Alo Hijra Shongho and Chottola Jubo Shongho ÒAvcbv `i mn hvwmzvb n Q Avgv `i c_ót Kzwgjøv wefvmxq civgk mfv 8

9 from Chittagong, Bikoshito Manob Kollayan Shongstha from Coxs' Bazar) and introduced them in the forum. Shurjer Alo Hijra Shongho also presented a brief presentation of Seed Fund Grant interventions. Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Civil Surgeon, Comilla was there as chief guest and Mrs. Hasina Murshed, Deputy Director, Department of Social Welfare, Comilla, Rasheda Akter, Head Teached, Comilla Zilla School, Mr. Z. M. Mizanur Rahman Khan, Assistant Director, District Social Service Officer, Mr. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Upazila Youth Development Officer, Sadar, Comilla, Mr. Abul Hasnat Babul, Editor, Avibadon, Former President, Press Club, Comilla attended as special guests. The meeting presided over by Mr. Kazi Mujibur Rahman, Professor, Koyelgacha Degree College, Comilla. Agreed action items for follow up: "50 Hijra's will be given taka 5 lac."-commitment made by Mrs. Hasina Murshed, Deputy Director, Department of Social Welfare, Comilla. BRAC, a renowned NGO introduced their TB program to the community and offered them free treatment. The documentary film that was produced by Bandhu is the best tools for advocacy and can be shown in public place to create mass awareness in future. As pilot basis, the documentary film "will this change" will be shown at the all schools of Comilla.- commitment made by Mrs. Rasheda Akter, Head Teacher, Comilla Zilla School. Comilla District Health Services will provide any kind of health support to the community on Every Saturday. After death sometime religious leaders are not eager to complete the funeral rituals for Hijra community. As a result, Hijra community faces significant level of discrimination during the situation. So Bandhu can take lead to arrange sensitization program with Religious Leaders involving respective Ministry. cwipvjk wg mm nvwmbv gyi k`, Kzwgjøv Rjv z ji cöavb wkÿk wgm iv k`v Av³vi, Rjv mgvr mev wefv Mi mnkvix cwipvjk Rbve RW. Gg wgrvbyi ingvb Lvb, Kzwgjøv m`i Dc Rjvi hyek Dbœqb Awdmvi Rbve gvt Rvnvw½i Avjg PŠayix, cöm K ve Gi mv ek mfvcwz I Awfev`b Gi m úv`k Rbve Aveyj nvmbvz eveyj GB mfvq we kl AwZw_ wn m e Dcw Z wq jb mfvi mfvcwzz K ib Kv qjmvqv wwmöx K j Ri Aa vck KvRx gywrei ingvb mfvq M wnz D jøl hvm c` ÿcmg~n wb œiæct Kzwgjøvi mgvr Kj vb wefv Mi Dc cwipvjk wg mm nvwmbv gyi k` GB g g A½xKvi K ib h, Ò50 Rbv wnrov K 5 jvl UvKv `qv n eó e nr GbwRI eª vk Rb Mvôxi R b wuwe Kg m~wp Ae vnz i L Q Ges eüzi DÏ xó Rb Mvôxi R b webv Li P wpwkrmv mev cö`vb Ki e eüz cö hvwrz GKwU Z_ wpî (WKz g Uvwi) A vw fv Kwmi R b GKwU kªô DcKiY wn m e KvR Ki Z cv i Ges Zv fwel Z Rbm PZbZv m wói R b Rbmg ÿ cö`wk Z n Z cv i Kzwgjøv Rjv z ji cöavb wkÿk iv k`v Av³vi GB g g A½xKvi K ib h, ÒDBj w`m PÄÓ (GUv wk cwiez b Avb Z cvi e) Z_ wpîwu Kywgjøvi mkj we` vj q cö`wk Z n e Kzwgjøvi Rjv ^v mev wefvm cöwz kwbevi D jøwlz Rb Mvôx K Zv `i cö qvrbxq ^v mev w` q hv e wnrov Rb Mvôxi Kvb m` m i g Zz i ci KL bv KL bv ag xq bzviv Zv `i klk Z m úv` b AvMÖnx nb bv Gi d j wnrov Rb Mvôx gvivëk ik gi ˆel g i wkkvi nb GR b eüz mswkøó gš Yvjq K hy³ K i ag xq bz e `i R b m PZbZv m wóg~jk Kg m~wp MÖnY Ki Z bz Z w` Z cv i SPANDON 9

10 Consultation Meeting with 'National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO)' Bandhu Social Welfare Society organized a Consultation Meeting with National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) on 'Ensuring legal support for Third Gender (Hijra ) community' on 18th September 2016 at the NLASO conference room. The purpose of the event was to discuss about the rights violation situation of third gender across the country and also find out possible opportunity on how NLASO can extend its support towards this community. Total number of participant was 23. Honorable Director of NLASO, Malik Abdullah Al-Amin, Sr. District Judge presided the event. Participants were also joined from Manusher Jonno Foundation organization, community representatives and the officials of NLASO and Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu). eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwu Ôb vkbvj wjm vj GBW mvwf mm AM vbvb Rkb (GbGjGGmI)Õ Gi mv _ hy³ n q MZ 18 m Þ ^i 2016 GbGjGGmIÕi m jb K ÿ Gi mv _ GKwU civgk mfvi Av qvrb K i Gi welq wqj ÔZ Zxq wj ½i (wnrov) Rb Mvôxi R b AvBbx mn hvwmzv wbwðz KivÕ GB Abyôv bi g~j D Ïk wqj mviv ` k Z Zxq wj ½i Rb Mvôxi AwaKvi j N bi cwiw wz m ú K Av jvpbv Kiv Ges GB Rb Mvôxi R b mn hvwmzvi nvz evov Z GbGjGGmIÕi AskMÖn bi m vebvi w`kwu m ú K Ly u R `Lv GbGjGGmIÕi m vwbz cwipvjk Ges wmwbqi Rjv RR gvwjk Ave`yjøvn Avj gvgyb GB civgk mfvi mfvcwzz K ib G Z AskMÖnb K ib gvby li Rb dvd Ûkb Ges wnrov KwgDwbwUÕi cöwzwbwaem, GbGjGGmI I eüzõi Kg KZ e ` civgk mfvi cövyeší Av jvpbvq AwaKvi j N bi cökw Z, Rb Mvôxi R b cö qvrbxq welqmg~n Ges Gi P v jämg~n, mb mv _ AwaKvi j N bi wkkvi Rb Mvôxi cwiw wz m ú K GbGjGGmIÕi Kg KZ v `i AewnZ Kiv nq GKB mv _ GB Av jvpbvq Zv `i R b AvBbx mn hvwmzv cö`v bi An interactive discussion was taken place where the NLASO officials were informed about the nature of violation,the Needs and challenges of the community and victims regarding legal support and Ôb vkbvj wjm vj GBW mvwf mm AM vbvb Rkb (GbAvBGjGmI)Õ Gi mv _ civgk mfv 10

11 initiative in improving access to justice for the third gender community member has been prioritized. During the meeting, a power point presentation outlining the recent government initiative and Bandhu legal support unit (Ain-Alap) experience in dealing with complaints was shared with the participants. The participants were well informed about practical scenario of rights violation and a statistics of July 2013 to June 2016 is presented and discussed. Community person also shared their challenges in seeking legal support. Some specific positive recommendations in relation to providing legal aid support under district legal aid committee came out from the discussions which are as follows- Legal aid officers can be trained and educated on sexual and gender diverse issue with concurrent national and international development Bandhu and NLASO can take joint initiative to strengthen legal counseling support through help line Some educational materials on legal literacy can be produced and disseminated with joint initiative Third Gender option along with male and female can be included in National Legal Aid application form Legal Aid Service Act, 2000 can be reviewed in order to include Hijra community under this Act. A letter can be issued by the director of NLASO to all 64 district legal aid offices after discussion with the respective person to avail free legal aid service for the Third gender D Ï k Z Zxq wj ½i Rb Mvôxi R b wepvi cvevi mn hvwmzvi welqwu K AMÖvwaKvi `qv nq mfv PjvKv j mv úªwzk wewfbœ Awf hvm wb q KvR Kivi ÿ Î mikvix c` ÿc jv m ú K Ges eüzõi AvBbx mnvqzv BDwbU Gi (AvBb-Avjvc) Kvh μg m ú K GKwU ` k gvb Dc vcb (cviqvi c q U) Kiv nq G Z AsMÖnbKvixiv AwaKvi j N bi ev Íe wpî m ú K Rvb Z mg_ nb Ges 2013 mv ji RyjvB gvm _ K 2016 mv ji Ryb gvm ch ší mg q AwaKvi j N bi GKwU wnmve Dc vcb Kiv nq Ges m jv wb q Av jvpbvi Kiv nq wnrov Rb Mvôxi cöwzwbwae ` AvBbx mnvqzv cvevi ev PvBevi ÿ Î evavmg~n mevi mv _ Av jvpbv K ib Gmgq Rjv AvBbx mnvqzv KwgwUi ( Rjv wjm vj GBW KwgwU) gva g AvBbx mnvqzv cvevi ÿ Î wkqz mywbw` ó I BwZevPK mycvwikgvjv M nxz nq, hgbt mv úªwzk RvZxq I AvšÍR vwzk wewfbœ Dbœqbg~jK NUbvejxi mv _ mv _ hšb I wj½ ˆewP Îi gvbyl m ú K wjm vj GBW Awdmvi `i cöwkwÿz I `ÿ Kiv h Z cv i eüz Ges GbGjGGmI hš_fv e njc jvb bi gva g AvBbx civgk e e v Av iv Rvi`vi K i Zzj Z cv i byb Zg AvBbx Áv bi Ici wkqz DcKiY ˆZix Kiv h Z cv i Ges m jv hš_fv e wezi Yi e e v Kiv h Z cv i RvZxq AvBbx mnvqzvi Av e`b c Î cyiæl I bvixi mv _ Z Zxq wj ½i Rb Mvôx KI AšÍf y³ Kivi e e v ivl Z n e wnrov Rb Mvôx K AšÍf y³ Kivi R b 2000 mv ji wjm vj GBW mvwf m A v±wu cybivq ch v jvpbv I we epbv Ki Z n e mswkøó mevi mv _ Av jvpbv mfvi ci GbGjGGmIÕi cwipvjk 64 Rjvi wjm vj GBW Awdmvi `i GKwU cî cöiy Ki eb hv Z Z Zxq wj ½i gvbylrb hv Z webv Li P mkj AvBbx mn hvwmzv c Z cv i m m ú K GKwU w`k wb ` kbv _vk e SPANDON 11

12 3rd Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting 29 September 2016, Bandhu Social Welfare Society organized its 3rd Technical Working Group meeting, presided by Meghna Guha Thakurta, honorable member, National Human Rights commission (NHRC). The purpose of Technical Working Group meeting (TWG) is bringing together the Government, NGO and CBO partners of Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) to align policy, review difficulties and challenges, and coordinate for action. One of the significant decisions has taken by the committee through this meeting was to involving media in breaking taboo on hijra through TV talk show, develop short documentary, floor for open discussion, distribution of booklet on hijra issue as part of advocacy to establish their rights. But first of all need to have clear perception about the definition of 'hijra'. Through this connection, a study titled with 'understanding the identity of hijra: policy implication', supported by NHRC could be translate into bangle and disseminate accordingly to all stakeholders, decision has taken also by the committee in this meeting. 12 At the ending stage, one important recommendation by the audience of this meeting was to make a provision for a contingency fund in order to organize any need based immediate meeting. UKwbK vj IqvwK s MÖæ ci (wuwveød y wr) Z Zxq mfv AbywôZ eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwu (eüz) MZ 29 m Þ ^i 2016 Zvwi L UKwbK vj IqvwK s MÖæ ci Z Zxq mfvi Av qvrb K i GB mfvq mfvcwzz K ib RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi (GbGBPAviwm) gvbbxq m`m wgm gnbv n VvKziZv GB UKwbK vj IqvwK s MÖæ ci (wuwveøwy R) mfvi D Ïk wqj eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwu, mikvix, GbwRI I wmwei cvu bvi `i wb q bxwzgvjvmg~n wvk Kiv, mgm v I P v jä jv ch v jvpbv Kiv, Ges mb mv _ cö qvrbxq c` ÿc bqvi R b mevi mv _ mgš^q mvab Kiv GB mfvi gva g KwgwU M wnz GKwU Ab Zg iæz cy~ wm vší n Q wuwf UK kv. ^í ˆ` N i Z_ wpî, gy³ Av jvpbvi e e v, wnrov Rb Mvôxi AwaKvi cöwzôvq A vw fv Kwmi j ÿ Zv `i welq I cwiw wz m ú K eyk ju weziy Kiv Ges G jvi D Ïk n e wnrov Rb Mvôx m ú K Kzms vi `~i Kivi Rb msev` gva gi AskMÖnb wbwðz Kiv Z e, me cö_g Avgv `i wnrov Rb Mvôxi ev ÍeZv I cwiwpwz m ú K AewnZ n Z n e Gm ú K GbGBPAviwmÕi mn hvwmzvq ÔAvÛvi vwûs ` AvB Ww UwU Af wnrovt cwjwm Bgwcø KkbÕ kxl K GKwU M elyv cwipvwjz n q Q Ges GwU evsjvq Ab~w`Z n j Zv h_vh_fv e mkj K nvìv ii Kv Q weziy Ki Z n e Ges GB m ú K KwgwUÕi mfvq GKwU wm všíi MÖnb Kiv nq mfvi Dcw Z mfvb GKwU iæz c~y mycvwik MÖnb K ib Ges mycvwikwui D Ïk n Q Kvb Awba vwiz Kvb we kl mfv Abyôv bi R b cö qvrbxq Riæix Znwej MVb Kivi e e v Kiv

13 Case Study Moyuri- the name of struggle and the name of winner. But after her birth gradually some symptoms developed in Moyuri which makes her relatives, neighbors and parents sad and upset. Moyuri was confident enough on her aim by ignoring the bad comments of neighbors and the criticism of her relatives. She continues her study and completed diploma certificate course devotedly though her friends and classmates insulted her for that. Nothing can change the mindset of Mayuri, rather she tried to make people understand that it is her dream and she also wants to contribute to change the economic condition of her family,community and as well as country through earn the money. Mayuri started work with reputed NGO as outreach worker and tried to develop a CBO for the betterment of the HIjra community. She received some token money, blanket from social welfare department, local sources and distributed towards the poor and victims of flood affected people, winter affected people as well. In the other hand she received technical assistance from Bandhu Social Welfare Society on leadership, life skill and so on. After receiving the various type of training and other technical support Moyari became efficient leader within Km vww gqyix - GKwU msmöv gi bvg Ges GKRb werqxi bvg Zvi R b i ci _ K μgktb Zvi ` n wewfbœ ikg cwiez b Avm Z ïiæ K i hv Zvi AvZ xq- ^Rb, cöwz ewk I gv-evev K Lye `ytl `q Ges nzvk K i Zv j wkš, gqyix Zvi j ÿ AUzU wqj Ges m cöwz ewk `i gšíe Ges AvZ xq- ^R bi wb `v jv K Ae njv Ki Z ïiæ Ki jv m Zvi jlvcov Pvwj q Mj GR b Zvi eüz-evüe I mncvwviv Zv K Acgvb Ki Zv, wkš m Gme wkqz K Gwo q wm q wb Ri j ÿ AUzU wqj Ges kl ch ší m ww cøvgv mvwu wd KU Kvm mgvß Ki jv Kvb wkqzb gqyixi g a Kvb cökvi cwiez b Avb Z mg_ n jvbv, eis m jvkrb K evsv Z Póv Ki jv h, GUv wqj Zvi ^cœ Ges A_ DcvR bi ga w` q Zvi cwiev ii I Rb Mvôxi A_ bwzk Ae vi cwiez b Avb Z Ges GKB mv _ ` kii cwiez b Avb Z Pvq gqyix vbxq GKwU GbwRI Z AvDUwiP Kg x wn m e KvR Ki Z ïiæ Ki jv Ges wnrov Rb Mvôxi Dbœq bi R b GKwU wmwei MV bi Póv Ki jv m mgvr Kj vy wefvm, vbxq m~î _ K wkqz UvKv I K ^j c Z mg_ n jv Ges m jv eb vz `wi`ª gvbyl `i g a Ges GKB mv _ kxzvz gvbyl `i g a wewj Ki jv Aci w` K gqyix eüy mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwu _ K bz Z, Rxeb `ÿzv Ges Ab vb wkqz wel q KvwiMix mn hvwmzv c jv wewfbœ ikg cöwkÿy Ges Ab vb KvwiMix mn hvwmzv cvevi ci gqyix Zvi Rb Mvôxi mv _ mv _ mgv RI GKRb `ÿ bzv wn m e cöwzôv c jv gqyix Zvi Rb Mvôxi R b mvgvwrk cwiwpwz I AšÍf yw³kiy wbwðz Kivi D Ï k wbqwgzfv e vbxq mikvi KZ cÿ, SPANDON 13

14 the community as well as society. Mayuri have maintained regular communication with the local governmental authority, influential personnel, NGO for inclusion / getting social entitlement for her community. Governmental local high officials acknowledged her outstanding performance and have nominated for "Joyita" award for district level and finally she has awarded. After that she again awarded as divisional level "Joyita" award. She has earned respect from the society through her enthusiasm work and commitment for the community. Mayuri is now happy and satisfied with her work and community. Mayuri is now specially recognized by everyone in her surroundings. cöfvekvjx e w³em I GbwRI `i mv _ hvmv hvm ervq i L Pj jv mikv ii vbxq D Pc` Kg KZ vmb Zvi wewkó f~wgkv K ^xk wz Rvbv jb, Zv K Rjv ch v qi ÔRwqZvÕ cyi v ii R b g bvwbz Ki jb Ges kl ch ší m cyi viwu AR b Ki Z mg_ n qwqj Gi ci m wefvmxq ch v qi ÔRwqZvÕ cyi v ii f~wlz n jv m Zvi Rb Mvôxi R b ^ZtcÖ Yvw`Z cö Póv I A½xKv ii R b mgvr _ KI m vb AR b Ki Z mg_ n q Q gqyix Zvi KvR I Rb Mvôxi R b GLb ek mylx Ges mš ó gqyix GLb Zvi Av kcv ki mkj gvby li KvQ _ KB we kl ^xk wz c q _v K SRHR in the 2016 Bangladesh Report in CEDAW The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports, at least every four years, on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations. Bangladesh government ratified CEDAW in Citizens' Initiatives on CEDAW, Bangladesh (CIC-BD) is a civil society platform of over 53 non-government right based organizations. Since 2007 the platform has been working on CEDAW in a concerted, synchronized and unified manner. Before submitting the national report in Geneva, CIC-BD produces an alternative report in anticipation of the government report. As wmwiõi (CEDAW) 2016 mv ji evsjv `k wi cv U GmAviGBPAvi 1979 mv j RvwZms N ` Kb fbkb Ab ` Gwjwg bkb Af Aj dg m Af wwmwμwg bkb G MBb DIg vb (CEDAW) wejwu M wnz nq Ges GwU K bvix `i R b AwaKvi m ^wjz AvšÍR vwzk wej wn m e ey bv Kiv n q _v K G Z f~wgkv mn 30wU AvwU Kj i q Q Ges wkfv e bvixi weiæ ˆelg n q _v K m m ú K msáv `qv n q Q, mb mv _ IB me ˆelg `~ixki Y RvZxq c` ÿc wkfv e wb Z n e m m ú K I mȳ úó G RÛv `qv n q Q h me `k GB Ki fbkb K Aby gv`b K i Q A_ev GB we ji cöwz mg_ b Rvwb q Q Zv `i GB we ji mkj kz ev Í e Kvh Ki Ki Z AvBbMZ eva ev`kzv i q Q GKB mv _ cöwzwu `k Kgc ÿ cöwz Pvi eq i RvZxq wi cvu ck Ki Z A½xKvive, h wi cv U ej Z n e GB Ki fbk bi aviv jv ev Í e iƒcvšíwiz Kivi R b Zviv wk wk c` ÿc wb q Q evsjv `k mikvi 1984 mv j wmwi we j ^vÿi K i evsjv ` k wmwi wb q bvmwik cö Póvi mykxj mgv Ri cøvudg n Q wmavbwm-weww (CIC-BD), hv Z 14

15 continuation of this process this year Arrow and Naripokkho has organized a workshop named, " SRHR in the 2016 Bangladesh Report in CEDAW" from 12th -14th August 2016 at Naripokkho. Civil society organizations, lawyers, academicians, health activists and government officials have participated in the workshop where they focused on issues like -health systems and structures, maternal health and reproductive rights and gender based violence. Bandhu with their active participation raised issues regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, young peoples' SRHR and social, cultural and religious influence on SRHR under the umbrella of SRHR situation in Bangladesh. Significant recommendations made by Bandhu were- Review related laws and policies, Introduce age specific CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education) at schools and in TTC (Teachers Training College Curriculum/ B. ED course), recognize and address the stigma and discrimination faced by gender diversified population, massive awareness for breaking the silence about sexuality and gender and ensure availability of counseling & necessary health services. Outcome of this workshop such as- reports and recommendations will include in the shadow CEDAW report which is generated by CIC-BD and will ultimately represent to related government alliance/agencies for initiating advocacy in national level, take necessary steps to eliminate all sorts of discrimination against women and presenting these issues in Geneva through nation CEDAW report of Bangladesh. 53wUiI ewk emikvix AwaKvi wfwëk msmvb hy³ i q Q 2007 mvj _ K GB cøvudg wu HK e fv e wmwi wb q KvR K i P j Q R bfvq RvZxq wi cvu ck Kivi Av M wmavbwm-weww (CIC-BD) mikvix wi cv U i mnvqk wn m e GKwU wekí wi cvu cökvk K i Gi avivevwnkzvq GB eqi A v iv (ARROW) I bvixcÿ AvM 2016 Zvwi L Ò2016 mv ji wmwiõi evsjv `k wi cv U GmAviGBPAviÓ kxl K GKwU Kg kvjvi Av qvrb K i mykxj mgv Ri msmvbmg~n, AvBbRxwee `, wkÿvwe`, ^v Kg x Ges mikvix Kg KZ MY GB Kg kvjvq AskMÖnb K ib Kg kvjvq Zviv ^v e e v I KvVv gv, gvz ^v I cörbb AwaKvi Ges RÛvi wfwëk wbh vz bi Ici we kl ` wó `b Kg kvjvq eüz mwμq AskMÖn bi gva g hšb cwipq I RÛvi cwiwpwz, hyev `i GmAviGBPAvi Ges evsjv ` k GmAviGBPAvi cwiw wzi Av jv K mvgvwrk, mvs wzk I ag xq cöfve m úwk Z wewfbœ welq Zz j a i eüz wkqz iæz c~y mycvwik Zz j a i h jv n Qt mswkøó AvBb I bxwzgvjv jv ch v jvpbv Kiv, zj jv Z Ges wuwuwm jv Z (wkÿk cöwkÿy K j Ri cvvμªg/wegw Kv m ) eqm wfwëk mywbw` ó wmgmbõi (mvwe K hšb wkÿv) cöpjb, RÛvi ev wj½ ˆewPÎ Rb Mvôx hme Kzms vi I ˆel g i wkkvi n q _v K m jv K wpwýz K i Zvi weiæ e e v MÖnb Kiv, hšbzv I RÛvi m ú K bxiezv f½ Kivi R b e vck m PZbZv m wó Kiv Ges KvD Ýwjs I cö qvrbxq ^v mevi Dcw wz wbwðz Kiv Kg kvjvi D jøl hvm djvdjt wi cvu I mycvwikgvjv h jv wmavbwm-wewwõi cöyxz wmwiõi Qvqv wi cv U AšÍf y³ n e Ges cök Zc ÿ muv mikvix RvU/ms v jvi RvZxq ch v qi A vw fv Kwm Z Kvh Ki Ki Z n e, bvix `i weiæ mkj ai Yi ˆelg `~i Kivi ÿ Î mnvqk n e Ges D jøwlz welq evsjv ` ki RvZxq wi cv U i gva g R bfv ch ší cšuqv bvi R b I Kvh Ki f~wgkv ivl e SPANDON 15

16 Meeting on Livelihood Development of Hijra Population: An Initiative taken by Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police With the kind initiative of Mr. Habibur Rahman, Additional DIG, Bangladesh Police, a discussion meeting was held at Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka on 17 August The key objective of the meeting was to identify some possible ways to develop life and livelihood of hijra population in Bangladesh. The chief guest of the meeting was Professor Farjana Islam PhD, VC of Jahangirnagar University. The main speaker of meeting was Mr. Habibur Rahman, Additional DIG. The special guests were Mr. Kazi Ashraful Azim, Additional Police Super, Crime Division, Dhaka North; Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam, Police Super, Highway Police, Gazipur; Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Police Super, Industrial Police, Ashulia; Mr. Shale Ahmed, Executive Director, Bandhu Social Welfare Society; Mr. Md. Abu Naser Beg, UNO, Savar, Dhaka; and Mawlana Delowar Hossain Saifi, Chairman of Bangladesh Jamiatul Olama, Dhaka. Along with local elites there were eighty hijras from Dhamrai area were present as participants. The meeting was presided by Mr. Shah Mizan Shafiur Rahman, PPM, Police Super, Dhaka. In introductory speech, Mr. Kazi Ashraful Azim expected that hijra people would have opportunities to enter into the mainstream of the society to earn their livelihood in some descent ways. Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Police Super intend to job placement of three hijra people as piloting basis. Mr. Shale Ahmed, Executive Director of Bandhu said that if other influential stakeholders come forward to support this marginalized community, the gap between the mainstream society and hijra community would be reduced. In light of religion, Mawlana Delowar Hossain Saifi, Chairman of Bangladesh Jamiatul Olama discussed about the rights of hijra population. Mr. Md. Abu Naser Beg, UNO stated that his door is always open for the hijra population for any kind of official supports for their livelihood. Professor Frajana wnrov Rb Mvôxi Rxeb gvb Dbœqbt cywj ki AwZwi³ DcgnvcwiPvj Ki D ` vm evsjv `k cywj ki AwZwi³ DcgnvcwiPvjK (AwZwi³ wwavbwr) Rbve nvweeyi ingv bi gnvbyfe cö Póvq MZ 17 AvM 2016 Zvwi L mvfv ii Avïwjqvq GKwU Av jvpbv mfv AbywôZ nq GB mfvi g~j D Ïk wqj evsjv ` ki wnrov Rb Mvôxi Rxeb I Rxebgvb Dbœq bi Rb wkqz m ve c_ wpwýz Kiv mfvi cöavb AwZw_ wn m e Dcw Z wq jb Rvnv½xibMi wek^we` vj qi DcvPvh Aa vck dvirvbv Bmjvg wcgbpww mfvi g~j e³v wq jb evsjv `k cywj ki AwZwi³ DcgnvcwiPvjK Rbve nvweeyi ingvb we kl AwZw_ wn m e Dcw Z wq jb XvKv DËi Gi Aciva wefv Mi AwZwi³ cywjk mycvi KvRx Avkivdzj AvwRg, MvRxcyi nvbi q cywjk mycvi Rbve gvt kwdkzj Bmjvg, Avïwjqv wkí cywjk mycvi Rbve gvt gȳ ÍvwdRyi ingvb, eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwuõi wbe vnx cwipvjk Rbve mv jn Avn g`, XvKvi mvfvi Dc Rjvi BDGbI Rbve gvt Avey bv mi em Ges evsjv `k RwgqZzj IjvgvÕi Pqvig vb gvijvbv ` jvqvi nv mb mvbwd mfvi mfvcwzz K ib XvKv Rjv cywjk mycvi kvn wgrvb kwddi ingvb vbxq wewkó e w³e M i mv _ avgivb GjvKvi Avwk Rb wnrov GB mfvq Dcw Z wq jb D Øvabx e³ Zvq KvRx Avkivdzj AvwRg GB Avkv cökvk K ib h, wnrov Rb Mvôx wkqz my `i Dcv q Zv `i Rxebgvb Dbœq bi R b Avq Kivi D Ï k mgv Ri g~j avivq cö ek Kivi my hvm cv e cywjk mycvi Rbve gvt gȳ ÍvwdRyi ingvb cvbju wfwë Z wnrov Rb Mvôxi wzbrb K PvKzix cö`v bi B Qvi K_v Rvbvb eüzõi wbe vnx cwipvjk Rbve mv jn Avn g` e jb h, hw` Ab vb cöfvekvjx K nvìvimy (cÿ `j) cövwšík Rb Mvôxi mnvqzvq GwM q Av mb Zvn j mgv Ri g~j ªªvZaviv I wnrov Rb Mvôxi g a cv_ K A bk K g Avm e evsjv `k RwgqZzj IjvgvÕi Pqvig vb gvijvbv ` jvqv nv mb mvbwd wnrov Rb Mvôxi AwaKvi m ú K ag xq ` wó KvY _ K Av jvpbv K ib BDGbI Rbve gvt Avey bv mi em e jb h, Zv `i Rxeb hvîvi Dcv qi D Ï k h Kvb ai Yi mn hvwmzvi e e v Ki Z wnrov Rb Mvôxi R b Zvi `irv me ÿy Lvjv _vk e Rvnv½xibMi wek^we` vj qi DcvPvh Aa vck dvirvbv Bmjvg, wcgbpww e jb h, h Kvb GBPGmwm cvk wnrov wek^we` vj q fwz n Z PvB eb wzwb Zv `i cöwz mn hvwmzvi nvz evwo q ` eb, hgb iscyi wek^we` vj q fwz Qz wnrov `i R b we kl KvUv e e v i q Q 16

17 Outcomes: mfvi djvdjt Mr. Habibur Rahman, Additional DIG drew a plan for establishing a training center for the hijra community Mr. Habibur Rahman also asked a mutual agreement with the local level elected public representatives to ensure a special allowance for the hijra people in marriage ceremonies held in community centers. In the ceremonies, hijra people would perform traditional hijra dance and music to entertain the guests and as tips they would receive the agreed allowance. Hijra representative said that if the jobs offered by any stakeholders seem to be descent with satisfactory salary structure, hijra people are ready to be enrolled in the jobs. Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Police Super wanted three candidates from Anonnya Banik, Liaison Officer of Bandhu for employing as Traffic Police at Ashulia Industrial Police Department as piloting basis. AwZwi³ Dc gnvcwipvjk Rbve nvweeyi ingvb wnrov Rb Mvôxi R b GKwU cöwkÿy K `ª cöwzôvi R b Zvi cwikíbvi K_v Rvbvb Rbve nvweeyi ingvb KwgDwbwU m Uvi jv Z Kvb weevn Abyôv b wnrov Rb Mvôxi R b we kl fvzv cö`vb Ki Z vbxq ch v qi wbe vwpz RbcÖwZwbwa `i mv _ cvi úwik Pzw³ m úv`b Ki Z e jb GB me Abyôv b wnrov Rb Mvôx AwZw_ `i g bviä bi R b Zv `i HwZn evnx wnrov b Z I MxZ cwi ekb Ki eb Ges m Z fvzv wn m e Zv `i A_ cö`vb Ki Z n e wnrov cöwzwbwa e jb h, Kvb K nvìvi (cÿ `j) Zv `i Kvb PvKzixi cö Íve w` j Ges muv GKUv m vbrbk ezb KvVv gv mn n j wnrov Rb Mvôx mb PvKzix wb Z cö Z Av Qb cywjk mycvi Rbve gvt gy ÍvwdRyi ingvb cvbju wfwë Z Avïwjqv wkí cywj k UªvwdK cywjk wn m e wb qvm `qvi D Ï k eüzõi wjqv Rvu Awdmvi Abb v ewy Ki Kv Q wzbrb hvm wnrov cöwzwbwa `qvi R b e jb GB mfvi ci mfvi wm vší jv m ú K h_vh_ e e v bqv n Q wk bv Zv `Lvi R b iæ ch v qi wnrov `i wb q KwgwU MVb Kivi wel q Rbve nvweeyi ingvb civgk `b Mr. Habibur Rahman suggested for making a committee with the Guru level hijra to followup of further actions after that meeting. S PA N D O N Islam, PhD, VC of Jahangir Nagar University said that if any HSC passed hijra wants to get admitted in University, she would extend her support as in Rangpur University quota for hijra candidates is reserved. 17

18 Youth Leadership in Bangladesh: The 1st National Youth Conference on Family Planning Bangladesh 1st National Youth Conference on Family Planning was held on 6th September 2016 at Biswa Sahitya Kendra, Dhaka. International Youth Alliance for Family Planning (IYAFP) hosted the conference in partnership with SERAC-Bangladesh. The conference was a space for the young active advocates to learn and share their experiences on different key dialogues on young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights in alignment with the UN Sustainable Goals 3 and 5. A number of 100 selected 'National Youth Delegates' from different organizations participated in this event. The objectives of the conference were to enhance participants' knowledge on issues of SRHR/family planning, develop a forum for participants to share their knowledge and experiences and identify common priorities and create a space for the participants to set own and common goals/action plan for postconference. Two National Youth Delegates from Bandhu, Sharif Hasan Bappy along with Sammi Hijra represented the conference. They have shared their knowledge, community /daily experiences regarding SRHR issues with all the participants in that event. 18 Mr. Shale Ahmed, The Executive Director of Bandhu also joined in a panel discussion evsjv ` k hyev bz Z t cwievi cwikíbv m ú K 1g RvZxq hyev m jb MZ 6 m Þ ^i 2016 XvKv wek^ mvwnz K `ª cwievi cwikíbvi Ici 1g RvZxq hyev m jb AbywôZ nq B Uvib vkbvj Bqy_ A vjv qý di d vwgwj cø vwbs (IYAFP) mivk-evsjv ` ki (SERAC-Bangladesh) mv _ Askx`vwi Z i wfwë Z GB m j bi Av qvrb K i GB m jb RvwZms Ni UKmB Dbœqb j ÿ i 3 I 5 avivi mv _ AwaKv ii mvhyr cöwzôv Ges hyev Rb Mvôxi hšb I cörbb ^v m ú K klv Ges wewfbœ g~lx Av jvpbvi R b mwμq hye A vw fv KU `i g a AwfÁZv wewbg qi R b GKwU my hvm m wó K i wewfbœ msmvb _ K ÔRvZxq hyev cöwzwbwaem Õ GB m j b AskMÖnb K ib m j bi D Ïk wqj GmAviGBPAvi/cwievi cwikíbv m úwk Z wewfbœ wel q AskMÖnbKvix `i Ávb e w, Zv `i Ávb I AwfÁZv wewbg qi R b GKwU dvivg MVb Kiv, Awfbœ AMÖvwaKvi jv wpwýz Kiv Ges m jb ciez x mg q wb R `i I Awfbœ jÿ I Kg cwikíbv cöyq bi R b GKwU cøvudg ˆZix Kiv kwid nvmvb evwà Ges mvw wnrov eüzi cÿ n Z RvZxq hyev m j b cöwzwbwaz K ib m j b Zviv Dcw Z mkj AskMÖnbKvixi mv _ Zv `i Ávb, GmAviGBPAvi m ú K KwgDwbwUi I cövz wnk AwfÁZv wewbgq K ib eüzõi wbe vnx cwipvjk Rbve mv jn Avn g`i ÔZiæb `i Pvwn`v Ges v bi cövc ZvÕ kxl K c v bj Av jvpbv Awa ek b AskMÖnb K ib wzwb evsjv ` ki hyev I Ziæb RÛvi ewpî Rb Mvôx m úwk Z wewfbœ welq, Pvwn`v I D ØM m ú K e³e iv Lb wzwb cwiev ii g a m PZbZv m wói Ici iæz `qvi R b AvnŸvb Rvbvb, wzwb e jb h,

19 session titled 'Adolescent Needs and Availability of Spaces'. He spooked about issues, need and concerns of young and adolescent Gender Diversity and Sexual minority group in Bangladesh. He urged issues around consciousness of family, is as the primary institution of all education to accept the adolescent needs and rights for advocating on family planning. Mr. Bappy, The Youth Link Associate from Bandhu took part in the 'Interactive workshop: Youth perspectives on family planning' session and represented leadership from the large number of participants. Participants from that event acknowledged the Bandhu's contribution at larger forum. They requested to ensure the representation of diversified population for such kind of event in future. There are many participants interact with Bandhu representatives and invited their places for future collaboration. cwievi cwikíbv m ú K A vw fv Kwm Kivi D Ï k Ges Ziæb `i Pvwn`v I AwaKvi cöwzôvi R b cwievi n Q GKwU cöv_wgk cöwzôvb eüzõi hyev ms hvm A v mvwm qu Rbve evwà ÔB UviA vkwuf IqK kct cwievi cwikíbv m ú K hyev `i cöÿvcuõ welqk Awa ek b AskMÖnb K ib Ges wecyj msl K AskMÖnbKvix `i ga _ K bz Z `b m j bi AskMÖnbKvixiv GB e nr dviv g eüzõi Ae`vb K ^xk wz cö`vb K ib Zviv fwel Z GB ai Yi Abyôv b wewfbœ ai Yi Rb Mvôxi cöwzwbwa `i Dcw wz wbwðz Kivi R b Aby iva Rvbvb m j bi A bk AskMÖnbKvixB eüzõi cöwzwbwa `i mv _ gzwewbgq K ib Ges fwel Z mn hvwmzv wbwðz Kivi R b Zv `i GjvKvq hvevi R b Avgš Y Rvbvb Courtesy call with new Chairman and Members of National Human Rights Commission Bangladesh A team, on behalf of Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) has visited National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh on 8th September to greet the new Chairman, Kazi Reazul Hoque and full time member Md. Nazrul Islam. Begum Nurunnahar Usmani, member of NHRC also joined the meeting. During this meeting, Shale Ahmed, Executive director of Bandhu expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Commission for working so closely and hoping to continue this relationship with the dynamic leadership of new chief and commissioners. Mr. Ahmed mentioned that recently, Bandhu has submitted a study report titled 'understanding the identity of hijra: policy implication which was supported by NHRC and keen to translate this important report into bangla and disseminate among the key stakeholders. In response, the chief mentioned that this is indeed a good idea and can be placed the issue to the commission meeting for endorsement. Once it has been RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi bewbe vwpz Pqvig vb I m`m `i mv _ mšrb mvÿvr eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwuõi GKwU cöwzwbwa `j RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi (GbGBPAviwm) bzzb Pqvig vb KvRx irvdj nk, Ges c~y Kvjxb m`m Rbve gvt briæj Bmjvg K ^vmz Rvbv Z MZ 8 m Þ ^iõ16 RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi Kvh vj q hvb RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi m`m emg byiæbœvnvi DmgvbxI GB mfvq Dcw Z wq jb Av jvpbvμ g eüzõi wbe vnx cwipvjk Rbve mv jn Avn g` gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi mv _ eüzi AZ ší Nwbôfv e KvR Kivi my hvm`v bi Rb Kwgk bi cöwz AvšÍwiK ab ev` I K ZÁZv Ávcb K ib Ges Avkv cökvk K ib, bzzb Pqvig vb Ges Kwgkbvi `i MwZkxj bz Z GB m úk Av iv Nwbô n e Rbve Avn g` D jøl K ib h, m úªwz eüz ÔAvÛvi vwûs ` AvB Ww UwU Af wnrovt cwjwm Bgwcø KkbÕ kxl K GKwU M elbv cöwz e`b Kwgk bi Kv Q ck K i Q, D³ M elyv Kg wu cwipvjbvi Rb gvbevwakvi Kwgkb mwμq mn hvwmzv cö`vb K iwqj D³ cöwz e`bwu evsjvq iƒcvší ii Rb Ges iæz c~y K nvìvi `i Kv Q Zv wezi Yi R b eüz AvMÖnx gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi cöavb D jøl K ib h, GUv AZ ší fv jv GKwU aviyv Ges GB cö ÍvewU Aby gv` bi R b Kwgk bi mfvq ck Kiv h Z cv i Aby gv`b n q M j KwgwUi m`m MY Abyev` h_vh_ fv e cwigvr bi ci wezi Yi R b c` ÿc wb Z cv i SPANDON 19

20 endorsed, the committee members can sit together and can take initiatives to translate and disseminate after being duly revision. The former commissioner, Selina Hossain can also assist in this regard. The nomination for the Chairman of Technical Working Group has been discussed during the meeting. It is suggested that Meghna guha thakurta, will be the suitable person for this nomination. A meeting can be organized shortly with her to discuss more about the committee and its functions and also explore the possible opportunities to work more closely and effectively with NHRC in coming days. 20 Mr. Kazi Reazul Hoque, Chairman of NHRC mentioned that there is a possibility of expanding the UNDP fund for the commission. However, in terms of disbursing the challenge fund, Bandhu is a very strong competitor. There will be formal due process in selecting the eligible organizations and it will be notified accordingly. About draft Anti-Discrimination law also has discussed in the meeting. Mr. Nazrul Islam, full time member informed that NHRC has been working with the process from the beginning. It is recommended to have a close look into the definition of hijra in the draft law and also explore the current status of the draft so that further strategies can be outlined in order to advance the process. The interactive discussion concluded with a clear commitment from both end to work more closely in coming days towards upholding the human rights of the third gender who are the most marginalized community in the society. Kwgk bi mv ek Kwgkbvi wgm mwjbv nv mbi GB wel q mn hvwmzv Ki Z cv ib mfvq UKwbK vj IqvwK s MÖæ ci Pqvig vb c ` g bvbq bi welq wb qi Av jvpbv nq Av jvpbvq GB g g civgk Av m h, wgm gnbv n VvKziZv GB c ` g bvbqb jv fi R b me P q hvm e w³z e j we ewpz n Z cv ib GRb KwgwU Ges Gi Kvh μg m ú K Av iv Av jvpbvi Rb Zvi mv _ Lye wkmwmib GKwU mfvi Av qvrb Kiv h Z cv i e j gz cökvk Kiv nq Ges mb mv _ Avmbœ w`b jv Z gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi mv _ Av iv Nwbôfv e I Kvh Kifv e wkfv e KvR Kiv hvq Zvi m ve my hvm Ly u R `Lv h Z cv i e ji Rvbv bv nq RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgk bi Pqvig vb KvRx irvdj nk D jøl K ib, Kwgk bi R b BDGbwWwcÕi Znwej e w i m vebv i q Q Aek ÒP v jä dvûó wezi Yi ÿ Î eüz GKwU kw³kvjx cöwz hvmx wzwb Av iv e jb, Dchy³ msmvb jv K wbe vwpz Kivi R b AvbyôvwbK cöwμqv Lye wkmwmib ïiæ n e Ges Zv `i K h_vh_ mg q G m ú K Rvbv bv n e mfvq Lmov ˆelg we ivax AvBb m ú K I Av jvpbv nq c~y Kvjxb m`m Rbve briæj Bmjvg Rvbvb h, RvZxq gvbevwakvi Kwgkb Mvov _ KB GB cöwμqvi mv _ hy³ Av jvpbvμ g ejv nq h, Lmov AvB b wnrov `i msávi Ici Av iv Nwbôfv e ` wó w` Z n e Ges mb mv _ Lmovi ez gvb Ae v m ú K I Rvb Z n e hv Z K i cöwμqvwu K GwM q bqvi R b Av iv KŠkj Aej ^b Kiv h Z cv i Avmbœ w`b jv Z Z Zxq wj ½i Rb Mvôxi gvbevwakvi cöwzwôz Kiv Ges mk ji gv S Zz j aivi R b Dfq cÿ _ KB Av iv Nwbôfv e KvR Kivi my úó A½xKv ii ga w` q GB Av jvpbvi mgvwß N U

21 The 'Adolescent Annual Health Fair-2016' was held on 22ndSeptember 2016at school ground ofmirpur Bangla School & College, Mirpur-11, and Dhaka. Adolescent Annual Health Fair was organized by BAPSA (Association for Prevention of Septic Abortion, Bangladesh). The 'Health Fair'wasa space for the young peopleto learn and share their experiences on different aspects on adolescentpeople's sexual and reproductive health and rights in a schooling environment. A large number of adolescent people from different educational institutions and non-governmental organizations participated in this event. The objectives of the 'Adolescent Annual Health Fair' were to enhance participants' knowledge on issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights, to give a space for the participants to share their knowledge and experiences on SRHR issues and importance of adolescent friendly health services for the young peopleand introducing the 'Establishing Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) in Zone II of Dhaka North City Corporation' project of BAPSA in a festive way. ÔZiæY `i evwl K ^v gjvõt PgrKvi wz js Abyôvb-G wng (HIM) Gi mwμq AskMÖnY MZ 22 m Þ ^i 2016 Zvwi L XvKvi wgicyi evsjv j z I K j Ri gv V ÔZiæY `i evwl K ^v gjv-2016õ AbywôZ nq Ziæb `i GB evwl K ^v gjvi Av qvrb K i wegwcgmg (Association for Prevention of Septic Abortion, Bangladesh) GB Ô ^v gjvõ wqj ZiæY `i R b GKwU cöv½b hlv b ZiæY `i hšb I cörbb ^v i wewfbœ w`k m ú K Ges we` vj qi cwi e k we` gvb AwaKvimg~n m ú K Rvbv Ges m jv wb q Zv `i AwfÁZv wewbgq Kiv nq wewfbœ wkÿv cöwzôvb Ges emikvix ms v _ K wecyj msl K Ziæb GB gjvq AskMÖnb K ib ÔZiæY `i evwl K ^v gjvõi D Ïk wqj hšb I cörbb ^v I AwaKvi m úwk Z welq jv m ú K Zv `i Ávb Av iv e w Kiv, AskMÖnYKvix `i GmAviGBPAvi welq jv m ú K Ges ZiæY evüe ^v mev m ú K Zv `i Ávb I AwfÁZv wewbg qi GKwU cöv½b m wó Kiv GQvovI GB gjvi ga w` q XvKv DËi wmwu Ki cv ik bi 3 b ^i Rv b wegwcgmg (Association for Prevention of Septic Abortion, Bangladesh) Gi D ` v M GKwU DrmegyLi cwi e k ÔZiæY evüe ^v mev cöwzôv (GGdGBPGm)Õ KivI wqj GKwU iæz cy~ D Ïk eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwuõi cÿ _ K kwid nvmvb evwà Ges mvw wnrov GB gjvq AskMÖnY K ib Zviv gjvi AskMÖnYKvix `i mv _ GmAviGBPAvi m úwk Z welq jv m ú K Zv `i Ávb I AwfÁZv Ges GKB mv _ HIM Participates in an Excellent Schooling Event at the Adolescent Annual Health Fair-2016 S PA N D O N 21

22 From Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Sharif Hasan Bappy along with SammiHijra participated inthe fair. They have shared their knowledge, daily experiences on SRHR issues with the participants in that event. They also visited all the welldecorated stalls of BAPSA and discussed regarding SRHR in the fair including the 'Health Information Corner', 'Nutrition and Vitamin Stall', 'Healthy Foods Corner', 'Blood Grouping Corner' 'Photo Gallery Stall' and 'Medicine and Adolescent Health Services Stall'.The `Adolescent Annual Health Fair' was an open event to know and discuss about the daily experiences of adolescent health issues such as Menstruations, Dream Falls, HIV/AIDS and STIs. Many guardians of the participants also attended the fair. In that public gathering of adolescents, the participants exchanged their knowledge and experiences on SRHR with the young people face to face. There also held some informative and edutaining sessions with SRHR messages including cultural songs and dance, Choreographies based on the thoughts of adolescent mind, youth debate competition, Health Quiz Competition, Fashion Show based on the circle of human life and prize giving events. Organizers of that event welcomed and acknowledged the Bandhu's participation at the public forum's session.they requested to ensure the participation of diversified young population for such kind of event in future. There are many participants and guests from different organizations interact with Bandhu participants and invited their places for future collaboration. Zv `i cövz wnk AwfÁZvI wewbgq K ib Zviv wegwcgmgõi mymw¾z j jvi cwi`k b K ib Ges gjvq GmAviGBPAvi wb q Av jvpbv K ib mb mv _ Zviv Ô ^v Z_ KY viõ, Ôcywó I wfuvwgb jõ, Ô ^v Ki Lvevi KY viõ, Ôi³ MÖæwcs KY viõ, Ôd Uv M vjvix jõ Ges ÔIlya I ZiæY `i R b ^v mev jõi cwi`k b K ib ÔZiæb `i evwl K ^v gjvõ GKwU Db y³ Abyôvb wqj hlv b ZiæY `i ^v m úwk Z wewfbœ welq hgbt bvix `i gvwmk, ^cœ `vl, GBPAvBwf I GBWm Ges GmwUAvB m ú K Rvbv Ges Zv `i cövz wnk AwfÁZv m ú K Av jvpbvi my hvm K i `q gjvi AskMÖnYKvix `i A b KiB AwffveKe ` GB gjvq AskMÖnY K ib GB Rbmgv e k Ziæb AskMÖnYKvixiv gy LvgywL e m GmAviGBPAvi m ú K Zv `i Ávb I AwfÁZv wewbgq K ib How Bandhu Became My Friend Abritty Abdullah I chose to study Women Gender and Sexuality studies in the United States because I wanted to stand up for the inherent patriarchy of our society that has hurt my gender ego for an uncountable number of times while growing up in Dhaka city. I belong to a very privileged part of the society and I being sheltered by my family in every possible way have faced discrimination in such horrid ways that it made me think for the girls who do not have access to as much privileges as I do. My passion towards doing something for myself and in a broader aspect for women in Bangladesh drove to get funding at a prestigious University in the US. While studying about Gender issues I dug deep into Queer/Trans studies. The researches, eüz wkfv e Avgvi eüz n jv Ave wë Ave`yjøvn Avwg hy³iv óª DI gb RÛvi I m yqvj vww m ú K Aa qb Kivi wm vší wb qwqjvg KviY, Avwg XvKv kn i emevm Kiv I e o IVvi mg q AmsL evi Avgvi RÛvi Ans ev a AvNvZ Kiv nq Ges mb Rb Avwg Avgv `i mgv R we` gvb wcz Zvwš KZvi weiæ `vuov Z P qwqjvg Avwg mgv Ri we kl myweavcövß GjvKvi gvbyl Ges Avwg Avgvi cwiev i emevm Kivi mg q me ikg Dcv q ˆel g i wkkvi nw Qjvg Ges Zv GZUvB fqvbkfv e nw Qj h, Avwg klch ší mb me g q `i K_v fve Z ïiæ K iwqjvg hviv Avgvi PvB Z Kg myweavi g a emevm K i Avwg Avgvi wb Ri Rb Ges we kl K i evsjv ` ki e nr bvix mgv Ri Rb wkqz Ki Z P qwqjvg Ges GB Kvi Y Avwg n b n q hy³iv óªi GKwU bvwg wek^we` vjq _ K e wëi e e v K i djjvg RÛvi wel q cvv MÖn bi mg q Avwg RÛvi ewpî gvbyl `i m ú K cov kvbvq Wz e Mjvg M elyv jv, ZË MZ welq, mvgvwrk Ae v m ú K 22

23 The first organization that came forward after my rigorous web search was Bandhu Social Welfare Society. As I want to focus on secondary data for doing my qualitative research, I did not find any other website with as much dedicated pages for the Hijra community as Bandhu's website had. I was excited and shivering with joy to find out about such an amazing organization which has been working for over twenty years for the trans people of Bangladesh. Their approach towards the problems in the web, photos of the creative workshops and projects made me think that the contribution of this organization is as commendable as any big-named, well funded organizations working for the trans community in the US. As I found out about the contribution of Mr. Shale Ahmed during the time of establishing the place of Third Gender in the law and legislation of Bangladesh, I did not hesitate to him right away with my interest about the organization. He has been the best resource for me to continue my work and I am absolutely grateful to him for the assistance and literature he has provided me so far. When I visited Bandhu's office during my vacation in Dhaka, I was mesmerized by everyone's competency and behavior. I gathered as much resources as I could and they were happy to assist me with my queries. I cannot imagine what struggles this amazing organization has to go through for gzvgz, ˆelg, hy³iv óªi RÛvi ewpî gvbyl `i m ú K weávb I AvBbx welq jv Avgv K AvMÖnx K i Zzj jv, hvi d j Avwg Avgv `i ` ki me P q cövwšík wnrov Rb Mvôx m ú K Av iv AvMÖnx n q DVjvg GUv memgqb D jøl Kiv n q _v K h, Zzwg hw` Zvgvi DÏxó Rb Mvôxi mv _ hvmv hvm vcb bv Ki Z cv iv Zvn j Zzwg KL bvb Kvb wkÿvg~jk KvR A_ev M elyvi cöwz b vqwepvi Ki Z cvi ebv Avwg h nzz bvix wn m e wb R K evsjv ` ki me vwak Ae`wgZ Mvôxi m`m wn m e we epbv Kwi m nzz Avwg g b Kwi wnrov Rb Mvôx n Q Av ikwu Ae`wgZ Rb Mvôx Avwg ZLb wb Ri fzi _ K Zv `i mv _ wb Ri m úk Ly u R cjvg Ges wnrov Rb Mvôxi Ici GKwU QvU w_wmm ipbv Kivi cö Póv wbjvg GB M elbvi R b e vckfv e I qe mvbu mvp Kivi ci Avwg eüz mvk vj I qj dqvi mvmvbwuõi LvuR cvb Avwg h nzz Avgvi bmz M elyvi Rb m KÛvix WvUv LyR u wqjvg Ges Avwg eüzõi I qemvb U wnrov Rb Mvôxi R b we kl vb eivï Kiv n q Q e j `L Z cjvg GQvov Ab Kvb I qemvb U Avwg GiKg Z_ c Z mg_ nbwb Avwg GiKg GKwU msmv bi K_v Rvb Z c i Avb ` wn jøvwjz n Z ïiæ Kijvg, KviY GB PgrKvi msmvbwu MZ cövq wek eq iii ewk mgq a i evsjv ` k wnrov Rb Mvôx wb q KvR Ki Q Zv `i I qe mvb U mgm v jvi mgvav b Zv `i c` ÿcmg~n, m wókxj Kg kvjv Ges cökí jvi Qwe ` L Avgvi g b n jv GB msmvbwu hy³iv óª UªvÝ RÛvi Rb Mvôxi R b Kg iz h Kvb e ov cöwzôv bi g ZvB cöksmv hvm KvR K i P j Q Avevi Avwg hlb `Ljvg eüzõi wbe vnx cwipvjk Rbve mv jn Avn g` Z Zxq RÛv ii Rb vb K i `qvi D Ï k wkfv e Ae`vb i L Qb ZLb Avwg Avi wej ^ bv K i Zv K GKwU B gbj cvvvjvg Ges Zv Z Avwg Zvi msmvb m ú K Avgvi AvMÖ ni K_vI Rvbvjvg wzwb Avgvi R b m e vrk ó wi mvm n Z cv ib e j Avgvi g b n jv Ges wzwb Avgv K h mn hvwmzv w` q Qb Ges wewfbœ `wjj I ebcî cvwv q Qb mrb Avwg Zvi Kv Q Mfxifv e K ZÁ Avgvi QzwUi mg q Avwg hlb eüzõi Kvh vj q hvb ZLb Avwg mk ji `ÿzv I e envi ` L nzwenÿj n q cwo Avwg mlvb _ K h ZvUv cvijvg Z ZvUv cökvkbv I `wjjcî msmön Kijvg Ges ZvivI Avgvi mkj cö kœi DËi AZ ší Avbw `Z wp Ë w`j Avwg wek^vmi Ki Z cviwqjvgbv S PA N D O N theoretical aspects, the societal point of views, discrimination, science and laws regarding the Queer/Trans people of the US made me interested to find about the most marginalized population of our country, Hijra. It is always mentioned that if you can't connect to a group of people, you can never do justice to the academic work or research. As I consider myself as a part of the oppressed group of Bangladesh being a woman and the Hijra community is oppressed for being female trans people, I felt a connection within myself for doing my small thesis on Hijra. 23