Jatiya Sangsad: Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Thursday told Parliament that the government will take effective steps to prevent hijras from creating nuisance in public places.

He came up with the remarks while responding to supplementary questions, on behalf of Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon, by two female MPs during the question-answer session in the House.

In a supplementary question, Quazi Rosy MP (reserved seat-41) narrated her bad experience with hijras in her residence, and wanted two know what steps the government may take to stop social nuisances by hijras, reports the UNB.

Responding to it, Tofail said, ‘The government will take effective steps to check any nuisance by hijras on the streets and in houses to relaise money by force. Law enforcers will be given necessary directions in this regard.’

Replying to another question of Fazilatun Nasa Bappy (Reserved seat-30), the minister said it is necessary to bring the hijras to the main stream of society. ‘The government has taken steps for the rehabilitation of hijras’.

However, he said, hijras return to their own lifestyle even after rehabilitation as they do not want to cope with the mainstream. ‘I think counseling is necessary so that they can remain in the mainstream.’

The minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken various pro-people steps so that the poor and disadvantage and vulnerable groups of people could be benefited.

As part of such initiatives, he said, hijras are now getting various supports and assistances from the government.

Tofail urged MPs to extend their helping hands towards hijras in their respective areas.

On June 23, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon told the House that number of hijra is now 11,039 in the country as per statistics of Social Service Department.

He, however, said no survey was conducted to determine the exact number of hijras in the country.

The minister said the government is providing hijras with employment training on various vocations, including haircutting, beautification, driving, farming, handicraft and security guard and Ansar and VDP.

On completion of the training, each hijra person is provided with Tk 10,000 as financial support for their rehabilitation.