26 arrested in Uttara for involvement in flesh trade

Dhaka, June 19 (BDNEWS) – As a part of ousting the prostitutes at Uttara in the capital, police arrested 26 people Sunday night, including seven prostitutes and 19 customers, conducting a drive at Asia Residential Hotel at sector 3, road 13, and house 42 in Uttara, Police said Monday.

Jannatul Hasan, Assistant Police Commissioner of Uttara zone said BDNEWS that being informed on Saturday a team of police conducted a raid at the hotel Sunday night and arrested them. The owner and the manager of the hotel however managed to flee.

He also said that because of the law they couldn't give punishment properly to the arrestees. When they sent the arrestees to court, the court awarded them imprisonment for a few days.

Police said that among the arrestees there were three students, service holders and businessmen.

According to arrested prostitutes, they came to the hotel with the help of agent Mehedi. Mehedi lived in Mirpur. The arrested prostitutes are of Ashkona area in Uttara, Tongi, Khilkhet and other areas of the capital.

Many prostitutes complained that they were compelled to engage in sexual activities and for this they got Tk 300 to 500. In many cases the agents took their money.

According to sources, such illegal activities are going on in different hotels, rest houses and flats in Uttara.

There is allegation that several hotels in Uttara are involved in flesh trade.

BDNEWS/1538 hrs