Prostitution and drug abuse
An article in the largest circulating daily newspaper of Sweden (Dagens Nyheter, page 18, April 18, 2010) related to the drug use among the prostitutes of Bangladesh has generated a lot of discussions among Bangladeshis living in Sweden. Prostitution, regarded as the oldest profession, is practiced worldwide, not just in Bangladesh. The article, based upon a report of an NGO, emphasizes the role of a powerful steroid oradexon in making young girls (often between 12-14 years of age) more mature (older than the officially allowed age of 18) and sexually attractive to the customers. This in return brings more profit to the brothel owners. The drug, used by majority of Bangladeshi female sex workers, has serious side effects and is hazardous to health. The scene portrayed in the article is indeed a pathetic one as these young girls, often lured away from their villages, to work as sex slaves are locked up in a prison like environment. The article should reach the Bangladeshi authorities who should look into the matter seriously and must take appropriate measures. After all, the article portrays a very negative image of Bangladesh.
Prostitution is a global problem that is prevalent not just in Bangladesh. Even it exists in Sweden. Drug use and prostitution go hand in hand . As mentioned by one Bangladeshi physician, prostitutes in Sweden do not use oradexon. They use deadlier drugs and to meet the demand of the costs they end up in the vicious cycle of drug and prostitution. The reporter instead of looking so far away from his own land, could have looked at the situation in his own country, where people in spite of having basic facilities indulge in prostitution.
I do not endorse prostitution. Human beings are not born to work as sex slaves. This should be abolished. Women have come a long way in Bangladesh. It is about time Bangladesh should make serious efforts to eliminate the scourge of prostitution.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments