They also demanded passports as well as voting rights of hermaphrodites to ensure their rights in the society.

The discussion on 'HIV/AIDS and human rights issues with the journalists working in different medias' was organised by Badhan Hijra Sangha in association with HASAB at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) auditorium.

The speakers said the hermaphrodites are capable people like others but they are not recognised properly in the country.

They are the most neglected and marginalised community in the society, they added.

The speakers said the hermaphrodites are also worst victims of mental and sexual abuse as they have no social and legal protection due to identity crisis.

"We are leading an inhuman life as people from almost all strata disrespect us," said Khuki, a member of Badhan.

"Our discrimination starts from the family where we are kept separately from other children due to social reasons," Khuki, also a hermaphrodite, added.

"No one becomes a hermaphrodite voluntarily. We are also human being and we have the right to lead a life with dignity," Khuki said.

Speaking on the occasion as special guest HASAB Executive Director Dr Nazneen Akhter said the mental strength of the hermaphrodites is much higher than anyone as they are facing all sorts of discrimination.

Though Bangladesh has achieved a lot of development in different sectors, there are few people who work for the development of the hermaphrodite community, she added.

"We have to make our voice louder to put focus on the issue of the hermaphrodites and media can play a major role in this regard," she said.

Advocate Rehena Sultana of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association (BNWLA) urged the government to enact special laws ensuring the rights of hermaphrodite community in the society.

Though the constitution ensures everyone's rights, the rights of the hermaphrodites is still neglected, she said, adding that change in the mindset is necessary to establish their rights.

It is regretful that being a citizen of the country they face discrimination in every aspect of the society especially in education and employment sector, she said.

Explaining various problems being faced by the hermaphrodite community, Badhan President Pinki Sikder said they face discrimination while renting houses, opening bank accounts and applying for passports.

Pinki also demanded special employment facilities considering them as the marginalised community.

Joya Sikder, general secretary of Badhan, Naznin Yasmin Hira, programme manager of Manusher Jonno Foundation, and Mahbub Islam Bhuiyan, representative of ICDDR'B, also spoke.