West Bengal’s trans community welcomes Bangladesh move

Bangladesh has decided to give tax incentives to its companies employing people from the community.

The transgender community in West Bengal has welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to give tax incentives to its companies employing people from the community, saying India too should adopt similar measures. “This is an absolutely commendable step, taken in the face of the challenges posed by religious fundamentalists. As co-convener of SAYAN (South Asian Young Queer Activists’ Network), I would like to congratulate both, the Bangladesh government and our trans co-fighters in that country, for this historic step,” Ranjita Sinha, director of the Association of Transgender/Hijra in Bengal, told The Hindu. “This will surely pave way for inclusion of trans citizens in the mainstream. Most importantly, this move will help in creating livelihood options for them, something the transgender community in West Bengal and in India is still struggling for,” Ms. Sinha said.