The Documentary Podcast The mosque for Bangladesh’s transgender women
9 snips
Dec 5, 2025 Tanu Hijra Guru, a trailblazing leader in Bangladesh's transgender community, shares her journey of creating a supportive hijra village and mosque. She reveals the struggle against societal discrimination and the resilience found in faith. Imam Amin, a local religious figure, highlights his advocacy for the hijras' right to worship and the challenges he faces. Together, they discuss the mosque as a beacon of hope amid rising extremism, fostering inclusion and dignity for a community often marginalized.
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Creating A Sanctuary Through Housing
- Tanu founded a Hijra village in 2021 after securing government support and provided housing for 40 hijras.
- The homes gave residents security, dignity and an alternative to homelessness and street survival.
Faith As A Path Out Of Marginalisation
- Hijras face systemic discrimination despite official recognition, pushing many into poverty and unsafe survival strategies.
- Faith and community programs can offer a route away from begging, crime and sex work.
Quran Classes Reclaim Religious Belonging
- Tanu arranged Quran classes where about 20 hijras learn Arabic, recitation and how Islamic rites apply to them.
- The classes teach burial rites and faith practices so hijras can reclaim spiritual belonging.
