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Sex-workers in Bangladesh ,
Livelihood: At What Price?
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Sex work remains to be a disgraceful choice in our society and women engaged in this work are defined by abusive terms, all meaning that a sex worker is a "fallen woman". Different sources estimate the sex-workers in Bangladesh at about 60,000 (as of 2004). They work in [12] brothels, hotels and on the streets.  However, these numbers exclude those who work in the residential areas and are better off. The children constitute a significant percentage of the sex-workers. The organized sex trade gangs, poverty, oppression by husband and other family members, temptation for jobs, etc. compel most of the sex-workers into this profession.
Reliable sources of information and analysis on sex-workers are not many in Bangladesh. In this information void one will find the book, SEX-WORKERS IN BANGLADESH: LIVELIHOOD: AT WHAT PRICE? authored by Qurratul-Ain-Tahmina and Shishir Moral useful for information and analysis. In their journalistic exploration they have looked into the issues concerning sex workers with great aptitude and sympathy.
Engaged by the Society for environment and Human Development (SEHD) they have been investigating the situation of the sex workers since 1999. SEHD published their first work [in Bangla] in 2000. The English edition of the book is a thoroughly updated version of the Bangla edition. In the book the writers refer to the majority of the sex workers who are poor.
The authors have explored various aspects and issues of sex work in Bangladesh. One very sad aspect is the agony of the sex workers who tell how they are socially excluded, subjected to extreme violence, exploitation and deprivation. The book well explains the debate and legality about the sex-work.
One extreme form of inhuman treatment shown to the sex workers is their eviction in violation of laws and court order. Political forces and state agencies combined are often responsible for this unlawful action. The politics and economics of eviction of three major brothels of the country are also well-explained in the book.
The profiles of the brothels that the authors have prepared with visits and revisits and often in association with some sex-workers vividly portray life in the captive situation, which has no match with persons of any other profession. The firsthand account of some brothel-based sex-workers also presents untold stories of the sex-workers. Investigation into the street based sex-work and sex-workers add more about the horrible life that one of the most unfortunate woman folk are compelled to lead. The writers capture not only the agony but also the inner voice of the sex-workers when telling their stories.
In all the odds the sex-workers try to stand strong and defend themselves.
They realize self-help is an option to explore. After the eviction of the largest brothel of the country in 1999 [Tanbazar in Narayanganj], they came down to the streets demonstrating against brutality they had faced. They also got significant support of local and international organizations. The writers deal with the struggle of the sex-workers with much care.
A unique feature of the book is its journalistic style. The information and life stories that are contained in it are carefully organized. The book is handy and very important resource for anyone interested in sex-work and sex-workers in Bangladesh.
Authored by Qurratul-Ain-Tahmina and Shishir Moral
Published 2004
276 Pages in offset Price: Taka 300 US$15
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