Satkhira’s Kalaroa elects transgender councillor

Dithi Khatun, a member of the transgender community, has won the post of municipality councillor in her second attempt as an aspirant for the reserved seat.

She was elected for Ward 7, 8 and 9 of the district's Kalaroa Municipality in the third phase of the municipality polls held on Saturday.

Dithi, running under the "Ring" symbol , received 2,079 votes while nearest rival Hasina Aktar, under the "Hibiscus" symbol, received 1,183 votes.

Arif Mahmud, a local who voted for Dithi, told Dhaka Tribune: "Dithi has been by our side during the Covid-19 crisis. She provided food aid to people's homes at night. We believe that she will work for the transgender people as well others who are neglected in our society. 

"We believe that Dithi will ensure a life of dignity for everyone," Arif added.

Soon after the results were announced, Dithi rushed to the houses of the voters in her electoral area and expressed her gratitude for their support.

Dithi also contested the 2015 municipality elections but failed to win by a small margin. 

https://archive.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/01/31/3rd-phase-of-municipality-polls-satkhira-s-kalaroa-gets-transgender-councillor

============================================================ Advocate Shahanur Islam | An Young, Ascendant, Dedicated Human Rights Defender, Lawyer and Blogger in Bangladesh, Fighting for Ensuring Human Rights, Rule of Law, Good Governance, Peace and Social Justice For the Victim of Torture, Extra Judicial Killing, Force Disappearance, Trafficking in Persons including Ethnic, Religious, Sexual and Social Minority People.