BANGLADESH

Ravaging the Vulnerable:
Abuses Against Persons at High Risk of HIV Infection in Bangladesh

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OF BANGLADESH


1. SUMMARY
   
   
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
To the Government of Bangladesh
Reform the law enforcement system
Enhance and expand the national effort against HIV/AIDS
To bilateral and multilateral donors
To the United Nations


3. METHODS
   
   
4. BACKGROUND
HIV/AIDS and Bangladesh
Police, Mastans, and the Army
Sexual Violence
Legal Framework


5. ABUSES AGAINST WOMEN SEX WORKERS
Sexual Violence and Other Physical Abuse
Extortion
Arbitrary Arrests
The Law on Sex Work
Extortion, Beatings, and Rapes Following Arrest
Vagrancy Homes
Violent Eviction of the Magura Brothel
No Means of Redress
Interference with Efforts to Fight HIV/AIDS
Social Stigma


6. ABUSES AGAINST MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN
Sexual Violence and Other Physical Abuse
Extortion and Theft
Arbitrary Arrests
No Means for Redress
Interference with Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS
Social Stigma
Section 377 of the Penal Code


7. ABUSES AGAINST INJECTION DRUG USERS
Abuse by Police
Abuse by Mastans
Arrests of Needle Exchange Workers


8. STATE RESPONSE
   
   
9. CONCLUSION
   
   
APPENDIX: JUNE 2002 DECLARATION BY SEX WORKERS NATIONAL NETWORK

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

August 2003       Vol. 15, No. 6(C)