Against All Odds: Oalid Islam’s Triumph as the First Hijra Foreign Cadre

In a world where diversity often struggles to find its voice, Mr. Oalid Islam has emerged as a trailblazer, etching history as the first-ever Hijra foreign cadre. Oalid, the world’s first Hijra foreign cadre, embarked on a journey that not only made history but also laid bare the emotional complexities faced by the Hijra community. In a world often blinded by stereotypes, Mr. Oalid’s story serves as a beacon, illuminating the urgent need for empathy and understanding in the realm of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

As a child, Oalid’s innocence was marred by societal prejudices, torn away from family by the very community they were meant to belong to. The ransom paid by their truck driver father, in the form of gold bangles, spoke volumes of the sacrifices made to shield Oalid from a fate predetermined by societal norms. Despite financial hardships, Oalid’s parents relentlessly pursued education as a shield against discrimination.

Despite financial constraints, Oalid’s parents prioritized education, ensuring attendance at a city school. However, the isolation persisted, with limited interactions and a subsequent move to Jashore to minimize family and societal scrutiny. The determination that Oalid’s parents showed eventually laid the foundation for Oalid’s unprecedented journey into diplomacy.

Entering Jahangirnagar University as a male student in the Pharmacy department, Oalid navigated their identity openly. Eventually appointed as a foreign cadre in the 35th BCS, Oalid made history as the first Hijra diplomat, currently stationed as First Secretary at Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran, Iran. However, some recent challenges prompted Oalid to share their story on social media, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the Hijra community.

According to Oalid, “Hiding my true identity was becoming painful and unbearable day by day.” Their social media reveal was a declaration that spoke to the fight for self-acceptance and was more than just an emotional discovery. The Facebook post revealed the uncensored facts about Oalid’s life, including the intensely private difficulties of a botched gender change procedure in addition to vicious rumors and unfounded charges.

Mr. Oalid’s story is powerful, and it’s clear that this is a call to action as much as a story of personal victory. Mr. Oalid stated that, “All third genders are human, but you treat them like dogs. I walked the same path you have. However, while flowers were strewn in your path, burning coals were placed in mine.” These words capture the fight for respect and recognition that goes beyond the individual and touches on the core of a larger social revolution.

Mr. Oalid’s journey, with its peaks of achievement and valleys of discrimination, speaks to the broader struggle for SRHR rights for transgender individuals. The personal sacrifices, the societal prejudice, and the emotional scars left by unfounded accusations resonate deeply. In sharing his story, Mr. Oalid becomes a torchbearer for a more inclusive future, challenging societal norms and advocating for a world where individuals can navigate their identities without fear.

As we reflect on Mr. Oalid’s narrative, we are urged to confront our biases, fostering empathy and dismantling stereotypes. The world’s first Hijra foreign cadre stands not just as a diplomat but as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring quest for recognition. In his own words, “Maybe I don’t fit here, I was supposed to be in Hijra Dera… Maybe this society of polite people is not for me.”

In addition to discussing his disastrous gender change operation that resulted in health issues, Oalid’s admission touched on personal challenges. The facebook post also highlighted the weaknesses that Hijra people have, especially when it comes to close relationships. Oalid’s persistent drive in the face of societal biases highlights the perseverance needed to navigate a world that frequently fails to comprehend the complexities of transgender existence.

Following Oalid’s disclosure, there has been a mixed reaction, including jokes and threats in addition to an outpouring of support. This contradiction highlights how important it is to promote understanding and tolerance for the Hijra community. Oalid’s story highlights the necessity for an inclusive conversation about gender identification and captures the larger fight for SRHR for transgender people.

Many people may relate to Oalid’s story, which emphasizes the value of knowledge, empathy, and eliminating social preconceptions. As the first Hijra foreign cadre in the world, Oalid Islam is at the vanguard of a revolutionary movement, dispelling stereotypes and clearing the path for a more inclusive future in diplomacy and beyond.

Source: The New Age Bangladesh The Business Standards
Picture Credit: Facebook