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.

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.

Religion, society and state - from none of these do women get their proper honor. It is religion, which has created an unparalleled disparity between men and women.

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

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

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.

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.