The Crux of Social and Economic Empowerment of Transgender (Hijra) Communities in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Mohammadpur Area in Dhaka
The Hijra community refers to a sub-culture of individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds who are assigned male at birth and are feminine-identified people within an established Guru-Chela hierarchy which is a Hijra traditional kinship structure (Titir and Ibrahim, 2023). This research identifies the complex interactions related to the social, and economic empowerment of the Hijra groups in Bangladesh, specifically focusing on the Mohammadpur region in Dhaka. Hijras, who are often marginalized and face social persecution, have a unique gender identity that exists outside the confines of binary conventions. The study is conducted using exploratory research analysis and qualitative research methods using interviews, observations, and secondary sources to get an understanding of the difficulties encountered by the Mohammadpur Hijra community and to recommend potential pathways for their empowerment. This research has applied the theoretical framework consisting of Muted Group theory coupled with Co-cultural communication theory and the concept of Social Exclusion to analyze the dyadic aspects of empowerment- social, and economic. This comprehensive research aims to add to the discussion on strengthening this underprivileged minority and promoting inclusion in Bangladesh.
