Sex work, also referred to as the world's oldest profession, is the act of individuals having physical contact for remuneration. This occupation has historically been met with negative perceptions, and numerous individuals in the profession suffer severe issues such as physical exploitation or coercion into membership against their will.

Most nations have strict laws against prostitution. Laws regarding sex work in most Muslim-majority nations are extremely stringent. But Bangladesh, being a Muslim-majority country, has gone the other way by legalizing sex work and granting licenses to sex workers.

Sex work in Bangladesh: How is it regulated

Worldwide, sex work is legal in approximately 49 nations, although each country treats it differently. For instance, prostitution is illegal in India, but the government of neighboring Bangladesh permits it under specific circumstances.

Prior to being allowed to work as a sex worker legally in Bangladesh, they need to be registered with the government. They should also present an affidavit attesting that they have opted for this career on their own initiative, most commonly due to limited employment opportunities.

As per a report by an NGO, approximately 200,000 women in Bangladesh are sex workers. One of the biggest zones wherein this occurs is Daulatdia, and it has about 1,300 women employed there.

Though prostitution has been legalized in Bangladesh since 2000, several issues remain very serious. The practice of forced prostitution is a major issue. Adolescent girls, some of whom are from very poor families, are sometimes sold to the trade for a small cash payment. Some are misled by individuals who cheat them through pretenses of getting married to them or making a better life.

It is estimated that 29,000 underage girls are now stuck in forced prostitution in Bangladesh.

The law in Bangladesh attempts to regulate the adverse aspect of sex work by prohibiting child prostitution, forced prostitution, and illegal brothels. The constitution of the country also contains regulations that attempt to curb activities such as gambling and prostitution.

Although Bangladesh's legalisation of sex work has served to some degree to regulate the industry, the continuing issues demonstrate that much more remains to be done to safeguard vulnerable women and children from exploitation.

Laws on sex work vary across nations

Some countries permit and legalize it, while others prohibit it more. Let us look closely at how various nations treat this topic.

Sex work is legal both in Bangladesh and Austria. Here, the state controls the practice by ensuring the women who participate remain healthy and secure. Women are also not allowed to enter the line of work until the age of 19, and they need to pay tax on what they earn.

Australia has different regulations regarding sex work by state. In certain areas, sex work is legal, whereas in others it is not legally recognized.

Belgium sees sex work as a career, rather than simply a profession. The nation takes it far enough to grant licenses for sex work, even classifying it at times as an art form.

New Zealand legalized sex work in 2003. In this country, sex workers have the same rights as workers in any other sector, including social welfare benefits.

The Netherlands stands out for its world-renowned Red Light District, De Wallen, in Amsterdam. It is usually viewed with wonder and sometimes provocation. It's a place where sex work is openly acknowledged, regulated by the law, and made as safe as possible for the sex workers involved.

Germany has been at the forefront of conferring legal rights on sex workers. The nation had a licensing system as far back as 1927. Sex workers in Germany are entitled to health care, insurance, and pensions these days. They are also mandated to pay taxes, similar to other working professionals.

Every nation has its own rules, but most of these laws try to govern the industry, ensure safety, and provide legal rights to the participants.

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