A five-member transgender delegation yesterday called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to express their gratitude for the government recognition of them as the “third gender”.

Transgender Abida Islam Moyuri led the team at the premier’s Sangsad Bhaban office while PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim described the meeting as an emotional interaction.

“Yes you are my child,” he quoted the premier as saying while Moyuri in an emotion choked voice asked Sheikh Hasina to accept her as her own child.

The delegation works for the welfare of the transgender people at Jalamlpur district under the banner of ‘Siri Samaj Kalyan Sangstha.

They extended their thanks to the prime minister for her government’s recognition to transgender people as the third gender.

“No government in the past worked for transgender people’s welfare,” Moyuri told the premier.

The prime minister encouraged them to work for society saying her government was extending different welfare services for the transgender people and ensured their rights to stay with their families.