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.

When I write, I don't allow the fear of consequences to interfere with the writing process. I have in the past paid for my commitment to the truth and the way I live my life. I am prepared to pay more if I have to.

Governmental defense of any theology necessarily weakens the legitimacy of both the government and the theology.

I am an atheist. I do not believe in prayers, I believe in work. And my work is that of an author. My pen is my weapon.

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

When Bangladesh refused to renew my passport, I used U.N. travel documents. You can't disown your country.

I have been writing poetry since 1975. My first poetry book was published in 1986.