This Muslim-Majority Country Has Legalised Prostitution, Even Issues Licences To Sex Workers
Prostitution is legal in Bangladesh with regulations, involving about 200,000 women. Despite this, forced prostitution is still an issue. Other countries like Austria, Belgium, and Germany also regulate it
Prostitution, or sex work, is often referred to as the oldest profession in the world, a business involving physical relations in exchange for money. It is generally viewed as immoral with negative connotations. Individuals involved in sex work frequently face physical exploitation and are compelled to work against their will.
Many countries enforce strict penalties for crimes related to prostitution, though it is legal in some places. Most Muslim countries impose stringent laws on sex work. However, Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country, not only recognises sex work legally but also issues licenses for it.
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Sex Work In Bangladesh
Sex work is legal in around 49 countries globally. While some countries permit it under specific conditions, in India, it remains illegal. Conversely, in neighbouring Bangladesh, sex work is legal under government-imposed regulations.
Individuals wishing to engage in sex work in Bangladesh must first register and provide an affidavit stating that they are entering this profession of their own accord due to a lack of other employment opportunities.
According to a report by a non-governmental organisation, approximately 200,000 women in Bangladesh are involved in sex work, with Daulatdia being the largest area for this activity, involving about 1,300 women. Despite its legal status, the constitution of Bangladesh includes provisions aimed at curbing gambling and prostitution. The law prohibits child prostitution, forced prostitution, and unlicensed prostitution centres.
Although sex work has been legal in Bangladesh since 2000, forced involvement in the profession remains a significant issue. Many young girls are coerced into prostitution, often sold by impoverished parents for a few thousand rupees or deceived by intermediaries with false promises of marriage. An estimated 29,000 underage girls are currently trapped in this situation.
Prostitution In Other Countries
- Like Bangladesh, Austria has legalised sex work, with the government overseeing the health of the women involved. In Austria, women must be at least 19 years old to enter the profession, and they are required to pay taxes on their earnings.
- Australia has varying laws regarding sex work across its states, with some recognising it legally and others not.
- On the other hand, Belgium issues licenses for sex work, considering it an art form.
- In New Zealand, sex work has been legally recognised since 2003, and sex workers receive social benefits akin to those in other sectors.
- The Red Light District in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is world-renowned for sex work. This Red Light District, or De Wallen, often seen with curiosity and controversy, serves as a place where sex work is openly acknowledged, regulated, and safeguarded.
- Germany was the first country to grant legal rights to sex work, implementing a licensing system since 1927. In Germany, sex workers are provided with health care and insurance and are required to pay taxes on their earnings, with a pension system also in place.
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