Despite being an integral part of society, the third-gender community, particularly the Hijra population, continues to face marginalization due to gender discrimination. Their constitutional rights are often overlooked, leaving them deprived despite being native to our society.

Kalapara, July 15 (V7N)- The third-gender community, especially the Hijra population, remains marginalized despite being a part of society due to gender discrimination. Their constitutional rights are often neglected. Despite being the children of this land, they are deprived. To eliminate this discrimination and to create a positive attitude and awareness, a two-day marathon race, gender sensitization discussion with Rakhine students, and beach cleaning campaign were organized at the tourist center Kuakata.
 
"Championing equality and environmental stewardship: third-gender community members participate in a marathon at Kuakata, emphasizing rights and sustainability." Voice7 News
 
This initiative was spearheaded by the organization 'Brihannala' established by students of Dhaka University. On Monday (July 15) morning, members of the organization participated in a beach cleaning campaign at Kuakata, where they cleaned up plastic waste and other non-biodegradable garbage left by tourists. On Sunday morning, a gender sensitization discussion was held with Rakhine students at the Sreemangal Buddhist Monastery in Kuakata. 'Brihannala' founder and president Md. Sadikul Islam, the director of the Buddhist Monastery Indra Bangsha Bhikkhu, and PhD researcher from New Zealand Asibur Rahman along with various university students were present during the discussion.
 
On Monday afternoon, a marathon race was held from the zero point of the beach to the eastern part of the 2-kilometer pine forest. Nine members of the third-gender community and 25 members of 'Brihannala' participated in the race. The winners of the race among the third-gender participants were Pia in the first place, Ava Muskan Tithi in second, and Nodi in third. Among the women, Sanjida Islam Mimi secured first place, Sadia Afroze second, and Jannatul Ferdous Purnata third. Among the men, Mohamminul Islam took first place, Nehal Ahmed second, and Ruhul Amin third. 'Brihannala' distributed prizes among the winners.
 
"Promoting inclusion and awareness: third-gender community members engage in a marathon event at Kuakata, advocating for gender rights and environmental conservation." Voice7 News
 
Md. Sadikul Islam, founder and president of 'Brihannala', said, "This initiative aims to eliminate the discrimination between women, men, and third-gender people, and to create a positive attitude among all levels of society. The government is committed to improving the living standards of the Hijra community. They have already been recognized as the third gender and several effective measures have been taken to establish their rights."
 
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