Awareness must in protecting sexual minority people's rights

Building mass awareness is crucial in protecting the rights of sexual minorities, said discussants at a programme yesterday.

The speakers were addressing the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition titled "Youth Yearn" organised by Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre, Bandhu Social Welfare Society and UNAIDS at the capital's EMK Cultural Centre. 

The photo exhibition captured the lifestyle and plights of sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

Speakers said these people are deprived of basic rights and are victims of repression due to lack of awareness.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Greg Wilcock, chief guest at the function, said rights of every individual must be protected.

USAID Mission Director to Bangladesh Janina Jaruzelski said each individual must have equal opportunities in the society to flourish their skills.

The main aim of the exhibition was to create awareness among the youth about sexual and reproductive health and associated rights, said Shale Ahmed, executive director of Bandhu.

The photo exhibition will remain open to the public till May 28 from 9:30am to 6:00pm except on Fridays and Saturdays.