Every religion oppresses women. I talk about the Koran because I know this book best. It allows for torture and other mistreatment, especially for women. And I despise the Sharia laws. They cannot be changed. They must be thrown out, abolished.

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 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.

Sheikh Hasina's government is one of the best Bangladesh has ever had. She is taking action against fundamentalists. But even she refused to let me return. I don't think I can ever return home.

All I ever want is to return to either Bangladesh, my motherland, or India, my adopted home.

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

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