I believe in absolute freedom of expression. Everyone has a right to offend and be offended.

I believe in absolute freedom of expression. Everyone has a right to offend and be offended.

I’m an atheist, and I believe religion is totally against human rights and women’s rights.

Nature says women are human beings, men have made religions to deny it. Nature says women are human beings, men cry out no!

I write against the religion because if women want to live like human beings, they will have to live outside the religion and Islamic law.

I was well acquainted with the Calcutta literary circle since I was 17, when I lived in Bangladesh and published and edited a little magazine called 'Sejuti,' for which young poets from both Bengals wrote. If you look at my life, there is no question of using anyone for anything. I have only got banned, blacklisted and banished.

I have had fatwas issued against me, some three in Bangladesh and another five in India. I will not be cowed by these threats and shall fight for my rights.