Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has stressed the need for creating employment opportunities for transgender people to include them in the mainstream economy and enable them to lead a dignified life in society.
“Transgender people are often treated in such a manner as if they are outsiders. They often face humiliation and discrimination in society. We have to change the negative attitude towards transgender people and create employment opportunities so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to economy,” BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid attended the program as chief guest.
Lawmaker Aroma Dutta, president of SheMen Welfare Organization Dr. ArifulHoque and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Ashim Kumar Dey also spoke at the programme organised in celebrations of 10 years of SheMen Welfare Organization.
Opportunities are opening up for transgender community to live a dignified life through employment in formal sectors, instead of giving up seeking charity from people.
“It’s really encouraging to see transgender people are being included in the mainstream economy, though their number is still insignificant,” Faruque said.
The RMG industry has created working opportunities for transgender people and their employment in garment factories have enabled them lead a dignified and better life, he said.
“However, an all-out effort from all quarters is required to make real change in this field. Apart from the garment industry, we should also explore opportunities available for them in other sector,” the BGMEA president said.