The book “Bangladeshe Hijrader Arthoshamajik Obostha” (Socio-economic Realities of Hijras in Bangladesh), written by Mahamudul Haque and Muhammed Abdur Rahman Jahangir, scrutinises the life and livelihood of Hijra communities in Bangladesh through conducting extensive research. As the name suggests, it enlightens the readers with in-depth research-based information about the socio-economic status and human rights conditions of Hijras in Bangladesh.

The writers have followed various research methods, including surveys, case studies, and focus group discussions, to understand the lifestyle, living conditions, incomes, customs, and religious practices of the transgender population.

They conducted in-depth interviews with transgender individuals in order to gain a thorough understanding of the systematic discrimination, challenges, deprivation, pains, tribulations, and other societal concerns that this marginalised group faces.

Besides analysing the socio-economic status and human rights conditions, the book also delves into aspects such as birth, death, funeral rituals, burial, marriage, entertainment, education, healthcare facilities, needs, values, language, romanticism, hopes, aspirations, and the attitudes of families and society towards them. The book also provides insight into how this community lives as a ‘family’ under a ‘guruma’ (community leader) who implements strict rules and conditions.

Significant research findings

The book, through extensive research, depicts that only a handful of Hijras manage to pursue higher education, braving various adversities, including discrimination and social stigma. Many leave their families between the ages of 12 and 15 to escape social stigma and physical or mental torture. Approximately 50% of them leave their families due to torture, while 15% do so because of societal mistreatment.

According to the research findings of the books, around 90% of the Hijra community members rely on begging, and collecting money from various sources. Members of this marginalised community live in cramped conditions and face difficulties while renting spaces due to discriminatory attitude exhibited by the landlords and neighbours. Taking this into consideration, this book suggests that the authorities concerned take adequate rehabilitation programmes for Hijras.

The book brings the harsh reality that Hijra community members are hardly invited to any social events to the fore. Our stereotypical perceptions, negative attitudes, misbehaviour, and unpleasant comments towards them (Hijras) make them feel very unpleasant. Considering this, this book advocates for a positive shift in people’s attitude towards them.

Given that this book examines the life and livelihood of the Hijra communities through a different lens, it might not be an exaggerated statement to say that it holds significant value for scholars and researchers who want to work on this marginalised community.

Mentioning that most (86%) of the Hijra community members wish to be a part of mainstream society, this book recommends that the government generate employment opportunities for them according to their educational qualifications and provide various trainings to turn them into skilled human resources. Based on the accounts of misery that this deprived community goes through, it can be said that the authorities concerned should frame strategies and gear up schemes to ease the plight of the Hijras. 

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The writer is a Sub Editor, Daily Sun