�9,379 transgender people in country�

The transgender community in the country numbers less than 10,000, according to figures provided in parliament yesterday, reports agencies. To be exact, there are 9,379 transgender, as they are more commonly known, in Bangladesh. The number was provided by State Minister for Social Welfare Promod Mankin, based on the report of a survey carried out during the current fiscal. The state minister was replying to a scripted question from Awami League MP Israfil Alam (Naogaon-6). The same survey also identified some 1.285 million members in the harijan caste within the Hindu community. He also said as of January 19, 2016 doctors had identified some 1.48 million people with disabilities across the country under a separate survey. The data relating to people with disabilities is stored digitally, he added. The junior minister said the government has taken various programmes for education, training, employment and development of the disabled persons. He also told parliament that 2,000 beggars were nominated for rehabilitation. He said this while replying to a query of treasury bench member M Abdul Latif during the question and answer session in the House with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. The state minister said areas of Hazrat Shahjalal ® International Airport, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Hotel Radisson, Bailey Road, diplomatic zone and embassies in the capital have already been declared as beggar-free areas in the capital.

�9,379 transgender people in country�

The transgender community in the country numbers less than 10,000, according to figures provided in parliament yesterday, reports agencies. To be exact, there are 9,379 transgender, as they are more commonly known, in Bangladesh. The number was provided by State Minister for Social Welfare Promod Mankin, based on the report of a survey carried out during the current fiscal. The state minister was replying to a scripted question from Awami League MP Israfil Alam (Naogaon-6). The same survey also identified some 1.285 million members in the harijan caste within the Hindu community. He also said as of January 19, 2016 doctors had identified some 1.48 million people with disabilities across the country under a separate survey. The data relating to people with disabilities is stored digitally, he added. The junior minister said the government has taken various programmes for education, training, employment and development of the disabled persons. He also told parliament that 2,000 beggars were nominated for rehabilitation. He said this while replying to a query of treasury bench member M Abdul Latif during the question and answer session in the House with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. The state minister said areas of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Hotel Radisson, Bailey Road, diplomatic zone and embassies in the capital have already been declared as beggar-free areas in the capital.