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

If any religion allows the persecution of the people of different faiths, if any religion keeps women in slavery, if any religion keeps people in ignorance, then I can't accept that religion.

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

Koranic teaching still insists that the sun moves around the earth. How can we advance when they teach things like that?

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.

I am not scared of anyone. I will write and publish my books.

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