EC discriminated against them

National Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman yesterday criticised the Election Commission for discrimination in allocating electoral symbols to women councillors.

He added that this reflects the mindset of the society in which discrimination is deeply rooted. Pointing to some electoral symbols -- doll and bangles -- that have been assigned to women councillors, he said, "What a ridiculous thing in the 21st century!"

The NHRC chief was addressing an award giving ceremony organised by the Bandhu Social Welfare Society in The Daily Star Centre in the capital. Ten lawyers were awarded for giving legal counselling and support to persons suffering from discrimination  based on their sex under a fellowship programme of Bandhu Social Welfare Society.   

Biman Kumar Saha, additional secretary to the health and family welfare ministry, said around 65 percent of the people are aged between 18 and 35.

"If we can utilise this population irrespective of gender identity, we will prosper," he said, adding that this includes the hijra community.

Amber Brooks, director of Democracy and Governance Office of USAID in Bangladesh, said people of the LGBT community face formidable barriers around the world.  

Advocates who received the award are: Gyanandra Prasad Das, Julekha Akhter, Golam Rabbani, Jahangir Alam, Merina Begamayang, Mostaque Ahmed Sharkar, Mustafizur Rahman, Saiful Islam Talukdar, Shaneaz Sultana and Swapan Kumar Dev.