Q: You had also called for the formation of “Aam Aurat Party”. Can you elaborate why is it needed?
Taslima: See, Women are being discriminated against so much. They are subjected to rape, violence and other domestic violence. Therefore, there should be a party that takes care of their interests. I am not saying that all members of this party should be women only. There can be men as well in this party who are in favour of equality for women.
Discrimination against women is also a political problem. You need to solve it politically. In Sweden, you will find 50 percent women in parliament. We also need to do much more on that front.
Q: You had said partition of India was not good. Why do you think so and are you in favour of reunion of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Taslima: Partition was, of course, not good. We were in a hurry – let's divide, let's divide. And as far I am concerned, I want to take the national boundaries out. I am in favour of one world. I want to be a citizen of the world. As for forming one country, I don't think it's possible now. But the countries of South Asia, not only India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, but Nepal and Bhutan also can be more united. They can have same currency and more cultural exchange. Look at Europe, they fought more bloody battles against each other but today they are standing together. They have same currency and they can move freely within Europe.
In case of South Asia, it may not be possible today but it can happen in future.
Q: What, according to you, are the major achievements of your life?
Taslima: Many, many women who have read my books say that they feel inspired by my work and that they get strength from my struggle. They say that they feel encouraged after reading my books. And I consider this one of the major achievements of my life.
Q: Are you still hopeful of returning to Bangladesh?
Taslima: Honestly speaking, I don't think I'll be able to go back to Bangladesh in my life time. They threw me out and I don't think they would allow me to enter Bangladesh again.
