Fayzul Islam (savar) : Savar, July 22, 2026: An Entrepreneurship and Job Fair 2026 for the gender diverse community was held on Wednesday at the Savar Upazila Parishad premises with the aim of promoting dignified employment, entrepreneurship development, and greater social inclusion.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Dewan Mohammad Salauddin Babu, MP for Dhaka-19 (Savar–Ashulia), as the chief guest. Among the special guests were Sabina Siddika, Chairperson of the Dr. Salauddin Foundation, and Shirina Begum, Chairperson of the Society for Participatory Education and Development (SPED). The programme was chaired by Md. Saiful Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Savar.
The fair was organized by the Society for Participatory Education and Development (SPED) under the ECSAP Project, implemented with financial support from the European Union in collaboration with Christian Aid Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation, and Amrai Pari Paribarik Nirjatan Protirodh Jote.
The fair showcased a wide range of products and services developed by entrepreneurs from the gender diverse community, including beautification services, tailoring, computer services, handicrafts, and other small business initiatives. The event also highlighted the importance of creating sustainable employment opportunities and ensuring the community’s dignified inclusion in society.
The programme began at 10:00 a.m. with guest registration, followed by two parallel dialogue sessions focusing on livelihoods, alternative employment opportunities, entrepreneurship development, and strategies for expanding job opportunities for the gender diverse community. The chief guest later inaugurated the fair and visited the exhibition stalls. A dance drama based on the life experiences of the Hijra community and a discussion session were also held.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Dewan Mohammad Salauddin Babu, MP, announced that members of the Hijra community would be provided with opportunities for free education in schools and colleges. He also said that the Dr. Salauddin Foundation would arrange various skill development training programmes to enhance their employability. Furthermore, he pledged to raise the concerns and demands of the Hijra community in the next session of Parliament to ensure greater access to state services and facilities.
Chairing the event, UNO Md. Saiful Islam said that the Savar Municipality would recruit members of the Hijra community as traffic police personnel. He encouraged interested candidates to contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing organisation, SPED Executive Director Md. Fazlur Rahman called upon all sections of society to develop a more positive attitude toward the gender diverse community and to support initiatives aimed at strengthening their economic empowerment and social inclusion.
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