Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

COVID-19: Bangladesh to support sex workers 'as long as needed'

Bangladesh will provide emergency food supplies for "as long as needed" to thousands of sex workers left destitute by the sudden closure of brothels due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The government on March 20 announced it was shutting about 12 officially sanctioned brothels in Bangladesh including one of the world's largest brothels, Daulatdia, which houses about 1,500 female sex workers.


The closures prompted sex workers to appeal to the government for help and authorities promised to give them all a package of 30 kgs of rice, a freeze on rent, and $25.

Rubayet Hayat, a government officer in the sub-district of Goalanda west of Dhaka where Daulatdia brothel is located, said food deliveries started last week although the money had yet to be given out and the shutdown has been extended until April 14.

"We won't just give them the relief once and then move on. Our goal is to support them continuously because we don't know for how long the virus is going to remain," he said.

Sex work is legal in Bangladesh although it is considered immoral by many in the Muslim-majority nation of about 160 million people, which has so far reported 12 deaths from COVID-19 with at least 120 other confirmed cases.

Kalpona, a 30-year-old sex worker from Daulatdia brothel, said while the food was a blessing, workers needed money.

"We have rice and daal but what about meat, fish and spices? We also need to buy napkins and medicines. We are a vulnerable community as it is and without money, the situation is worse," she said.

Workers in the other registered brothels have also been provided with food, according to the Sex Workers Network, a group that has been supporting sex workers since 2000.

Human rights group Mukti Mahila Samity, that supports sex workers, said most workers live hand-to-mouth existences, with only about one in nine having the ability to save up and feed themselves.

More For You

Kareena Kapoor

Striking appearance at the Vivienne Westwood show

Instagram/ kareenakapoorkhan

Kareena Kapoor dazzles in red at Vivienne Westwood show in Mumbai

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor made a striking appearance at the Vivienne Westwood show in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, turning heads in a glamorous red ensemble. The event, held at the iconic Gateway of India, was a celebration of India’s rich textile heritage and featured an exclusive showcase of Vivienne Westwood’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection.

A show-stopping look

Kareena Kapoor, known for her impeccable fashion sense, was the cynosure of all eyes as she arrived in a stunning red gown featuring a thigh-high slit, corset bodice, and off-shoulder sleeves. Her outfit exuded elegance and sophistication, complemented by her gold-hued heels, which added a touch of glamour to her look.

Keep ReadingShow less
Timeless luxury: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches of 2025

Rolex continues to captivate the world with its dedication to perfection

Getty

Timeless luxury: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches of 2025

Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication, has once again redefined the boundaries of opulence in 2025. As one of the most iconic watchmakers in history, Rolex continues to create masterpieces that epitomise both innovation and style. Below, we explore some of the most expensive and desirable Rolex watches of the year, each a testament to unparalleled artistry and technical precision.

1. Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi Meteorite (£49,000)

Rolex GMT-Master II Rolex

Keep ReadingShow less
Sukhvinder Kaur: Finding light in the tunnel of loneliness

Sukhvinder Kaur: Finding light in the tunnel of loneliness

LONELINESS can affect people of all ages and backgrounds in different ways. Sukhvinder Kaur was deeply impacted by social isolation after her marriage broke down, leaving her alone with two young children.

Despite a happy upbringing, a supportive family, and a strong community network, she began experiencing uncomfortable thoughts that didn’t resonate with her, leading to increased isolation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ayurveda: The ancient science of balance and well-being

Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world.

iStock

Ayurveda: The ancient science of balance and well-being

Ashwini Gurujii

Ayurveda finds it origin in one of the four Vedas, the Atharvaveda. Brahma ji propounded the science of Ayurveda and passed it on to Daksh Prajapati, who gave it to Ashwini Kumars, the physicians of devas, and they gave it to Indra.

Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world. The level of existence was so pure and selfless that diseases were unable to manifest then. The rishis of satyug realized that in the times to come, the thoughts of people are going to become so polluted that diseases will find the required environment to manifest and then the need of Ayurveda would arise, so Rishi Bharadwaj went up to Indra Dev and asked for this divine science.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why helping ageing parents is precious

As our parents age, we embrace new roles in their lives with compassion and care.

Why helping ageing parents is precious

AS OUR parents’ health begins to deteriorate, one of the hardest things in life is watching them age. Some can no longer walk for more than 10 minutes, and their memory isn’t what it used to be. There are also hidden complications associated with ageing.

I grew up in a working-class family. My dad was named Simba when he lived back in Zanzibar, Africa. He swam in the open ocean and ran for miles. The joinery skills he learned from his father have been passed down to my brother and me. My mum worked long hours sewing and in factories to provide for us, ensuring we had everything we needed. She also taught me never to rely on anyone for anything, which has shaped me into the strong, independent woman I am today.

Keep ReadingShow less