Life Inside Kandapara Brothel | Bangladesh Red Street
Bangladesh is one of the few Muslim countries in the world where prostitution is legal. These photographs which are taken by Sandra Hoyn showing the tragic life inside a walled brothel. Most sex workers here are either born within the brothel walls or been trafficked. Kandapara Brothel is the 2nd largest brothel in Bangladesh. It is been known to have existed for the last 200 years. Sandra spent weeks in the area talking to the girls and customers to gain their confidence. Once the people got accustomed with Sandra, they let him take pictures. Even customers were not worried, except for those from the rich families. Most girls then asked Sandra to take their photographs than he going behind them to capture their photos.
Girls reach the brothel around the age of 12-15. Mostly they belong to some elderly madam and would have debts to pay off. Once the debt is paid off, these girls are no more in bondage. They can choose the customer they want to sleep with. Most have regular customers.
Here are some of the images from Sandra’s collection.
1 . Kajol with an old customer
2. Customer tries to kiss priya
3. The girl with two customers
4. Pakhi and a Customer
5. Twin babies of a sex worker
6. Dipa, She carrying the baby of a customer
7. Bathing time
8. Meghla with a customer
9. Asma with a customer
source : cosmopolitan
