HC stays eviction of sex workers for five days

Responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) writ petition, jointly filed by Bangladesh Women Lawyers' Association and Nari Mukti Sangha, Justice Syed AB Mahmudul Huq passed the interim stay order upon the authorities concerned who launched the eviction drive without taking steps for the rehabilitation of the sex workers.

On October 7, at least 14 people were injured in clashes over eviction of the sex workers from the 150-year-old Kandapara brothel in Tangail town.

The clashes took place between a section of local people and clerics and members of Nagorik Mancha (citizens' committee) who opposed the eviction without making any arrangements for rehabilitation of the sex workers.

The chairman of Tangail Pourashava led the local people under the banner of 'Brothel Eviction committee'.

Advocate Fowzia Karim with Sheema Zahur and Farida Khanam appeared before the court for the petitioners.