“We Want Government Intervention to Stop the Torture of Sex Workers”

By: Alea Aktar Lily

Press Conference led by Sex Workers Network

September 5, 2024

Place- Abdus Salam Hall, National Press Club

Dear Journalists, The Sex Workers Network extends its warm regards to all of you. Anthropologically, it is recognized that the world’s oldest profession is that of sex work. Sexual activities in various forms have been recorded since ancient times. Historical evidence suggests that transactional sex was prevalent in early societies. Prostitution was widespread in ancient Egypt and Greece, encompassing various socio-economic strata. Notably, in societies such as Greece and Japan, geishas were esteemed for their extensive training, with their associates serving as artists, entertainers, and conversationalists, in addition to providing sexual services.

Throughout history, attitudes towards sex work have shifted. Sex workers’ human rights have been consistently violated, and they have endured inhumane treatment. This profession, which has been ongoing for centuries, relies on the labor of sex workers worldwide. Despite evolving business norms, those involved in this work continue to face neglect, oppression, and abuse.

Journalist brother and sister, In our society, women are often compelled to engage in sex work due to poverty and familial and societal betrayal. Although there have been some improvements in children’s health and education through various initiatives, a safe refuge is still lacking. They are still being persecuted, step by step, according to the law. Sex workers are forced to share their earnings with influential people in society, including government administrators, brokers, and employers. In many cases, underage girls are forced into sexual activity by the bullies of society through various tactics. They are not compelled to engage in sex work professionally.

Society, the world, government, and religion all see us as undesirable in the name of chastity. They attempt to manipulate us occasionally. Yet what a farce that those who have forced us to come together today are enjoying full social and religious dignity in various classes and professions of society. No one has ever considered labelling them or banishing them from society.

So when society and family turn away from us, when the government ignores the victim and takes sides with the abuser, it pushes us towards more abuse and other professions through exclusion in the name of rehabilitation. Is it a crime to pursue this profession and guide our children to a brighter future, even though we are citizens of a country that fails to create a secure environment?

In Bangladesh, sex work is not prohibited by existing laws, as stated in a High Court judgment (Writ Petition No. 2871/1999). Although it is not socially recognized as a profession, the High Court ruled that sex workers can register through the local administration by submitting affidavits expressing their intention to engage in sex work. This registration gives them the necessary security from the local and police administration to conduct their work without interference. Despite the Suppression of Immoral Traffic Act of 1933, which aims to protect the state, sex workers continue to earn their living.

Even though the right to human dignity, as recognized in Article 11 of the Constitution of the Republic of Bangladesh, is not enforceable in court, sex workers have enforceable rights as

citizens under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh. The Suppression of Immoral Traffic Act of 1933 punishes those operating brothels or renting houses as brothels. However, the law does not prohibit sexual activity anywhere. In a court ruling, the fundamental right to privacy enshrined in Article 43 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was referenced, affirming that no one can infringe on the privacy of the residents of any household except within the scope of the law. On the other hand, Article 2 of Article 18 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Bangladesh states that “The State shall take effective measures to prevent prostitution and gambling.”

Journalists, brothers and sisters, you are aware that on August 29, 2024, a brutal video went viral on social media Facebook, where a young man is seen indiscriminately beating floating sex workers with a stick. They not only beat the floating sex workers but also took away their cash and mobile phones. The video, which went viral, traumatized the child of a sex worker who tried to commit suicide, causing bitterness and tension between the child and the mother.

Thanks to newspapers, it is known that gangs of sex workers are physically torturing youths in various areas of Dhaka like Jatrabari, Court area, Shyamli, Shaheed Minar, Mirpur Mazar Road, Farmgate, Asadgate, Uttara, Kuril and Badda in various places Sex workers are physically abused every day. Many sex workers have become physically ill.

In this context, our specific demands are:

1. The perpetrators of crimes against sex workers must be brought to justice and punished immediately.
2. Concerned individuals and departments should play an effective role in ensuring the safety of sex workers.
3. Local administrations must protect sex workers within their jurisdictions.
4. The eviction of brothels must be stopped.
5. The police must stop using the law to mistreat sex workers.
6. Children of sex workers must be allowed to thrive in a safe and supportive mainstream environment.
7. There should be no discrimination/ differentiation in the funeral services for sex workers; they should be integrated into mainstream or social funeral services.
8. I have drawn the attention of the Advisory Board to the unhindered living and overall safety of sex workers.
9. Measures must be taken to stop oppression and exploitation to protect the fundamental human rights of sex workers as individuals.
10. The law must be properly enforced to stop all forms of violence and sexual harassment against women.

 

On behalf of the Sex Workers Network –

Alea Aktar Lily

The President

Sex Workers Network