Bandhu, icddr,b support over 2000 gender diverse people amid pandemic

Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) has distributed food among over 2,300 transgender (hijra) and gender diverse people in 28 districts of Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

With the financial support by German Doctors and management of icddr,b, Bandhu recently completed the week-long distribution of the food aid.

Following the health and hygiene policy of the government, the distribution of relief started on 25 June 2020. A total of 2,390 transgender and gender diverse people received this support which included food packages of 12kg rice, 4kg p'otatoes, 2kg lentils, 2 litres oil, 2kg salt, and 2kg onions.

Gender diverse people are neglected, deprived and socially excluded. Many of them have become jobless during the COVID-19 pandemic while some are unable to earn from their traditional occupations.

Under the circumstances, arranging food for mere survival has become a major challenge for them. Bandhu and icddr,b endeavour to continue this initiative in future.