In Mymensingh city, this Ramadan marked the opening of a pioneering mosque dedicated to members of the hijra community. The "Third Gender Community and Dakshin Char Kalibari Ashrayan Mosque," situated on the picturesque banks of the Brahmaputra River, symbolizes a significant stride towards inclusivity in religious spaces. Spanning an area of 33 decimals, the mosque not only serves the spiritual needs of the local hijra population but has also welcomed Muslims from the broader community. The initiative, driven by the "Setu Bondhon Hijra Welfare Association," emerged in response to the discrimination and ridicule faced by hijra individuals in traditional mosques. The derogatory treatment led to a collective decision to establish a dedicated space for worship, supported by a generous land donation and funding facilitated by the Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner, Ommey Salma Tanzia. Read more: Empowering transgender and hijra communities a priority of the state: NBR chairman The mosque's construction on donated land in Badikandi village was strategically planned to coincide with Ramadan, fostering a sense of community and belonging among the worshippers. Featuring a modest single-story design with tin walls and a roof, the mosque includes a veranda, tube well, and toilets, ensuring basic amenities for its congregants. Additionally, the installation of three loudspeakers enables the regular call to prayer, further solidifying the mosque's role in the community's daily religious life. Akhi, a member of the local hijra community, highlighted the transformative impact of the mosque, mentioning, "Throughout our lives, we have heard stories that when hijras die, their bodies are dumped in the river. There was no burial ground. Now, alongside our mosque, there is also a cemetery." This statement underscores the profound significance of the mosque and adjoining cemetery as symbols of dignity and respect for the hijra community. Joyita Tanu Hijra, president of the hijra association, recounted the journey towards establishing the mosque, from facing mockery in local mosques to securing the necessary land and funds through the support of the Divisional Commissioner and generous donors. Read more: Sherpur Hijra community demands respectable jobs The appointment of Hafiz Maulana Karimul Islam as the imam signifies the mosque's commitment to providing spiritual guidance and support to all worshippers, including the hijra community. Abdul Motalib, president of the Mosque Management Committee, expressed the local community's support for the hijra community's endeavors, emphasizing the collaborative spirit in offering prayers and conducting religious activities. The Divisional Commissioner, Ommey Salma Tanzia, praised the initiative as commendable, highlighting the mosque's role in offering a safe and welcoming space for hijra individuals to practice their faith. Looking ahead, plans for expanding the mosque complex to include a madrasa, a primary school, and enhanced cemetery facilities are underway. This ambitious vision reflects a hopeful future for inclusivity and acceptance within religious spaces, not only in Bangladesh but potentially setting a precedent for the world. Read more: Enact law to protect rights of transgender, hijra community: Speakers

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has exempted tax in donations to the Bandhu Social Welfare Society, an organization working with people of the third gender. NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem signed an order that Bandhu Social Welfare Society will get a conditional tax free facility. And this opportunity will remain valid for the next 5 years. The NBR's public relations officer Syed A Mumen confirmed it to UNB on Wednesday. The NBR order states that no tax will be levied on income received from all kinds of donations and grants other than the bank interest income of the Bandhu Social Welfare Society income from developmental work for the heterosexual and heterosexual population. However, the condition is that this income should be used for welfare of the people of third gender and the organization must abide by the provisions of that ordinance. Besides, in the last budget also special tax exemption was announced for giving jobs to people of the third gender. READ: NBR may miss revenue target Tk 3.30 trillion this year too It states that if an organization employs 10 per cent of its total employees or more than 100 third gender persons, then 75 per cent of the salary paid to those employees or 5 per cent of the tax payable, whichever is less, will be given to the employer as tax deduction. Earlier, in the budget of last fiscal year, tax benefits were also given to the people of the third gender. For the first time, a tax-exempt income limit is waived for third-gender taxpayers. Their tax-free income limit has been increased from Tk 3 lakh to Tk 3.5 lakh.

Members of the Hijra or third gender community in Sherpur Sadar upazila on Wednesday demanded training and respectable jobs that will help them contribute to the country’s economy.