Religious fundamentalists in Bangladesh have always argued for a ban on my books.

The focus of my research is how secular movements originated in West Asian countries and subsequently changed to pan-Islamic movements. The role of Western countries in this aspect is also a part of the research.

I studied in a medical college and qualified myself as a medical graduate.

Religion is against women's rights and women's freedom. In all societies women are oppressed by all religions.

Religious fundamentalists in Bangladesh have always argued for a ban on my books.

The fundamentalists are increasing. People, afraid to oppose those fundamentalists, shut their mouths. It is really very difficult to make people move against a sensitive issue like religion, which is the source of fundamentalism.

I have lectured at the U.N. and travelled widely, giving lectures on human rights and gender inequalities in universities. But this is a life I do not wish to live. I don't want to be a showcase, I want to be in a battlefield where I can stand beside the oppressed and the poor.