Rights of sex workers

Aubhishek Xaman, Boro Maghbazar, Dhaka
Rights of sex workers have always been a very sensitive issue in our society.

I believe, a more humanitarian attitude is needed to deal with it. Judging propriety of their occupation may lead to a debate; however it is undeniable that violation of their human rights is something we all need to be concerned about. They are deprived of the basic human right of being treated as humans! On the contrary, they are branded as 'public menace', 'root of moral degradation', and 'sinners' and have been isolated from the mainstream. Human rights organisations seem hesitant to advocate that their fundamental rights be fulfilled. Radical women organisations do not bring any good as they remain busy doubting the legitimacy of the job.

The government's role can be questioned too. Even though the ill-fated women and teenage girls are forced to join this profession to have a livelihood (and not for meeting physical demand like their clients), they find it hard to get any support from the government. Our superstitious approach doesn't help overcome the problem.

I think this is high time we evaluated this matter with unbiased rationality.