They placed the demand at their third national conference organised by the Sex Workers' Network of Bangladesh (SWNB) at Mohammadpur in the city.

They said they are being neglected in every sphere of life although they are citizens of this country.

They also said they are being evicted from their houses and even being tortured by influential quarters.

An 11-member new committee of SWNB was also formed at the conference attended by representatives from 29 sex workers' organisations.

Mamtaz, who was re-elected president of the SWNB, told The Daily Star that they are working to raise awareness among the sex workers across the country about their rights.

They are also trying to dissuade sex workers from involving any underage girls in the profession, she added.

She also sought cooperation from all so that they can live a normal life like others.

Representatives of different government and non-government organisations and donor agencies and civil society members attended the conference.