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

It is unfair to label me anti-Islam. I am an atheist and a secular humanist.

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 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 want to live in Kolkata; I don't want to live in Europe - I can't write there. I write in Bengali, and I need to be surrounded by the Bengali language and culture.

Religious fundamentalists in Bangladesh have always argued for a ban on my books.