My Voice Cannot be Shunned: Taslima Nasreen

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin is again in news for mindless protest against her comments and writings on Islam. This time Shahi Imam, Syed Noor-Ur-Rehman Barkati, of Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata on August 17, 2007 issued a "death warrant" urging the "followers of the true faith" that anyone, who eliminates Taslima Nasrin would be rewarded Rs one lakh in cash. Nasrin had to face a violent protest recently in her adopted abode, when some Islamic fundamentalist organizations disrupted a public function where she was the chief guest. They shouted slogans like, "Taslima Hatao, Desh Bachao" (Drive out Taslima, Save the country). According to cleric, he was compelled to have issued such a Fatwa because the government failed to act and drive her out of the country. In this background celebrated author Taslima Nasrin shares her secrets with HeadlinesIndia special correspondent Partho Burman in an exclusive interview:



Syed Noor-Ur-Rehman Barkat has issued a Fatwa against you. What is your first reaction?



Taslima: To be honest, I am afraid to comment on Syed Noor-Ur-Rehman that he has not read any of my books and because of that he has issued such a declaration. The books on women, I have been writing, are not controversial rather they have been deliberately made to look like controversial by these fundamentalists. I write about the plight of women in our society. Don't you think that what I pen for the right of women is being strangulated?



Taslima Nasrin during happier times



You have been targeted at a public function. Would you stop attending public function and meetings?



Taslima: No way, not at all. Why should I stop attending any public function? That is the platform to express my mind. And, one thing is sure that by disrupting public function the way they did recently or by issuing Fatwa against me they can not shun my voice. Their attempt to keep women subservient to their male counterparts would not succeed. I would keep my struggle against injustice alive.



You live in India and not in your motherland. Is it by choice or by compulsion?



Taslima: Of course, by choice. India is not the land where I took birth, but it is the land where I find peace of mind and security. Moreover, there is hardly any cultural difference between India and Bangladesh. And, I love this country as well.



Don't you feel scared here in India?



Taslima: No. Although, I was shocked to see the way some people behaved the other day in Hyderabad. Abuses and things were hurled on me. And, it all happened in the presence of educated people. However, I have now become used to it and I don't have any grudges against anyone protesting against me.



You have applied for Indian citizenship. What is the status of your application?



Taslima: My application for the citizenship in India is on humane ground. I am aware that India respects all the religions, castes and creeds, and I am optimistic that my request for citizenship would be granted.



Are you planning any new book?



Taslima: Yes, I am working on it. It is again about women and their rights and freedom. The title of my book is, ''Women Have No Country''. The book will be released in the month of August itself.



Has government provided you any security after the attack? Are the arrangements satisfactory?



Taslima: Oh, Yes. The government has assured me to provide security following the attack on me in Hyderabad. I just dislike being mobbed but thanks to the government for providing me an adequate security arrangement.



Have you received any literary support from International/Indian circle?



Taslima: Yes, and my sincere thanks to the entire literary circle for providing me the moral support in all my endeavours. I presume, a group of people around the world still supports the freedom of penning the truth.



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