Tk 500 given to insolvent hijras over 50 years of age

As part of a programme, Tk 500 is given to every incapable and insolvent hijra (hermaphrodite) aged above 50 years as monthly old-age or special allowance, State Minister for Social Welfare Promode Mankin told parliament yesterday.

The Social Service Department has been taking various programmes since 2012-13 fiscal to bring hijra (transgender) community into the mainstream, said the junior minister. Now such programmes continue in 64 districts, he added.

"The total number of hijra community people is 9,892 according to the latest statistics," he said replying to a starred question from ruling Awami League lawmaker Mohibur Rahman Manik.