They said it would be tantamount to violation of human rights if the sex workers are evicted without creating any alternative job opportunity through which they could be able to earn a decent living.

They also demanded steps for stopping criminal activities conducted by the vested quarters in and around the brothels across the country.

The discussion was organised by the Sex Workers Network of Bangladesh at the conference room of Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) auditorium marking the International Sex Workers Day.

The discussion was participated by academics, NGO activists, journalists and representatives of the sex workers.

Prof HSK Arefeen of Anthropology department of Dhaka University said sex workers are nabbed frequently under Public Nuisance Act which should be amended to protect the interest of the sex workers.

Referring to a number of case studies, he said the recognition of sex workers is a demand of the time.

"I think they are more transparent in their personal life as they do not show any hypocrisy to earn their living like others in the society," he pointed out.

"We sell sex in exchange of money. If we are called sex workers then what about them who sleep with us?" questioned sex worker Shahnaz.

Other sex workers also echoed the same and demanded legal recognition of their profession.

They urged the law enforcement agencies to stop repression on sex workers and their children at brothels across the country.

There are 3,816 registered sex workers at five brothels in Khulna and eight brothels in Dhaka and Barisal, said the organisers.

Rashida Akhter, Advocate Ruhi Samad Ara Jhumu, Akhter Jahan Shilpi, Sami Afreen Nilu and Kazi Abu Shahed also spoke on the occasion.