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The pictures of some models smiling with happiness created quite a buzz on the internet. Their smiles reflect love and kindness but what they do not portray is the actual lives of these models. This Bengali New Year, Rabita Rashid, owner of a boutique by the same name, decided to address the transgender (hijra) community, by featuring some of them as models for a photoshoot. Rabita's customers have welcomed the approach with much appreciation.

"There seems to be a social stigma in our country, whenever people have to deal with members of the transgender community. I think that is the reason why the gap exists," explains Rabita. "While the world is busy promoting feminism and equal rights, I wish to work with the ignored gender of our society. Many do not consider them as equals, and tend to misbehave with them. "

Rabita's first encounter with transgender women was after she gave birth to her child, when the members of the community came to her house demanding money. Out of curiosity, she decided to talk to them and learn about their struggles, as she did not to raise a child in a society where negligence and discrimination ran rampant. Overtime, the entrepreneur grew fond of working with the transgender women.

"Keeping their comfort in mind, I organised the photoshoot at my residence, and also did their make-up myself. They are beautiful human beings, and have immense love and respect for us. They were very cooperative during the shoot and had no objections," mentions Rabita. "I was aware of the consequences of this unique project, but I'm thankful that it was accepted with open arms."

Rabita Rashid started her journey as a fashion designer with the earnest passion for fashion, from her living room back in 2011. Since then, it has come a long way. She dreams of a better future for Bangladesh, and the world, where nobody is ignored and everybody lives earnestly.