“Local Stakeholders Join Hands to Promote Inclusion of Hijra and Gender Diverse Communities in Rangpur”
Rangpur, Bangladesh – On 27 March 2025, Noboprobhaat Foundation successfully convened an advocacy meeting with local stakeholders in Rangpur, aiming to strengthen collaboration and build inclusive support systems for hijra and gender diverse communities. The initiative was supported by the Rapid Response Grant, funded by FCDO collaboration with the Kaleidoscope Trust (UK).
The meeting brought together 36 participants, including representatives from local government offices, civil society organizations (CSOs), journalists, medical professionals, and community advocates. Discussions focused on the real-life challenges faced by gender diverse individuals—particularly in rural areas—including social exclusion, legal vulnerability, lack of healthcare access, and misrepresentation in the media.
Stakeholders collectively explored practical ways to improve institutional responses and increase visibility and inclusion of hijra and gender diverse communities in public services and development programs.
“This session helped us understand how we, as local institutions, can do more to ensure fairness, safety, and dignity for all members of our society,” shared one government representative.
Highlights of the meeting included:
Commitments from local authorities to strengthen legal support for gender diverse individuals
CSO representatives expressing interest in programmatic inclusion
Journalists reflecting on the role of responsible reporting
This advocacy meeting was particularly important given the backdrop of increased risks faced by gender diverse communities in Bangladesh, and the vacuum created by the sudden suspension of international funding. It served as a vital platform to rebuild collaboration and reaffirm solidarity at the local level.
“In a time when grassroots organizations like ours are struggling to survive, this meeting reminded us that we are not alone,” said Md Yasin Ali, Founder and Chairman of Noboprobhaat Foundation.
“Bringing stakeholders together ensures that change is not isolated—it’s shared, owned, and sustainable.”