Discrimination is not unknown in Bangladesh when it comes to the inclusion of transgender people in society, especially in terms of employment opportunities.
The situation, however, is changing steadily and the transgender community is slowly finding a place in mainstream employment.
Private television channel Boishakhi Television has set an example in the country by recruiting two transgender women in its mainstream team of employees, which is considered to be a milestone in the rehabilitation of transgender people in society with dignity.
According to the authorities of Boishakhi Television, they came up with this initiative to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, alongside the Golden Jubilee celebration of independence.
Alongside Shishir, another transgender woman Nusrat Mou who has joined the entertainment department of Boishakhi Television, will star in a drama named “Chapabaz” to be aired at 9.20pm on the same day. Mou will be seen as a main female character in the drama serial that will be aired at the same time on Saturday, Sunday and Monday every week.
"I am overwhelmed by the opportunity," said Tashnuva Anan Shishir who is going be the first-ever transgender woman to work as a news presenter of Boishakhi Television in Bangladesh.
Shishir will be seen presenting a regular news bulletin for the first time on March 8, marking the occasion of International Women’s Day. According to Boishakhi TV, Tashnuva Anan Shishir will present two news bulletins which will directly be telecast at 12 noon and 4pm.
“I am grateful to Boishakhi Television for giving me such a dignified opportunity," said Shishir, who is also a renowned model and social worker.
“I cannot express how overwhelming this is for me and my community. Members of my community are oppressed and harassed for a long. I think this step of Boishakhi Television would help create room for the development of our people in the society,” said Nusrat Mou while sharing her feeling with the Bangladesh Post.
"With this kind of positive approach and exposure for individuals like me, I believe our society will thrive towards community sustainability and community development," she added.
About the recruitment process, Mou said, “The recruitment process was as normal and usual ... I am grateful to Boishakhi TV for the initiative and also for selecting me.”
“With this type of positive approach for individuals like me, I believe our society will thrive towards community sustainability and community development,” she added.
"Boishakhi Television has appointed two transgender women as news and entertainment sections with our responsibility towards the country, society as well as the people. We have taken such an initiative
marking the International Women’s Day and Golden Jubilee celebration of our independence," said Tipu Alam Milon, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Editor of Boishakhi Television.
"We believe that the appointment of two potential, promising and prospective transgender women would help change the society's attitude about them and encourage others to come forward for the welfare of the transgender community," said Tipu Alam Milon.
“Appointment of two transgender women by Boishakhi Television is one step forward for women empowerment,’’ said Former adviser to caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury.
“Their appointments in media would help remove the stigma that transgender people are not capable to serve society like general people. The government recognized the transgender people in 2018 and there is also necessary policy,” she also said.
Rasheda K Chowdhury added that now what is needed is to come forward of all quarters. To bring transgender people into the mainstream of society.
Jatiya Press Club president senior journalist Farida Yasmin hailed the Boishakhi Television's recruitment of two transgender women and said such steps would certainly help change the attitude of the people towards them.
Talking to Bangladesh Post, Farida Yasmin said, “It is a very good initiative of the Boishakhi Television and transgender community is a part of this society and it is the responsibility of all to bring them in the mainstream of the society.”
“The government has taken various initiatives to ensure equal rights of all, including the transgender community,” she added and hoped that more media outlets will follow the initiatives of Boishakhi Television and stand beside the downtrodden people, including the transgender community. Shishir recently earned her scholarships in two categories to pursue higher studies in the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme at the James P. Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), BRAC University, along with Ho Chi Minh Islam, another iconic transgender woman in the country.
Today’s Shishir challenged the identity of Kamal Hossain Shishir, her old self - and eventually came out as a trans-woman during her 20’s, alongside starting her solo journey with social works, dance and theatre. She is an active member of the renowned theatre troupe BotTala.
Recently, Shishir has been signed for two upcoming movies including Anonno Mamun’s film ‘Koshai’ as a detective officer, and Syed Shahriar’s cinema ‘Goal’ as a football coach.
Previously, Shishir worked as the Case Management Officer in the Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP) from June 2020 and as the project officer in Bandhu Social Welfare Society.
She also worked as an executive officer for the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh.