Taslima Nasreen backs UCC in India, calls for equal laws in Bangladesh and Pakistan

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday, August 2, backed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, saying it was essential to ensure equality and reduce discrimination against women, while calling for similar laws in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"All advanced countries have UCC-like laws. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India need a Uniform Civil Code. There should be equal laws for everyone. Women face a great deal of discrimination, and much of it can be removed through a UCC. It is essential," Nasreen told reporters at a press conference here.

Her remarks came after the West Bengal government constituted a high-level committee to examine a draft UCC for the state. The committee will undertake a comprehensive examination of the proposed legislation before any further steps are taken.

Referring to Bangladesh, the 63-year-old writer said equality was the cornerstone of civilisation and argued that Hindu women there continued to face discrimination, particularly over inheritance rights.

"In Bangladesh, Hindu women do not have equal rights. They cannot inherit their father's property. If Hindu women are to enjoy freedom and equal rights, a Uniform Civil Code is necessary," she said.

Nasreen, who returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, was felicitated at a state government programme at Rabindra Sadan on Saturday.

She had left Kolkata in 2007 after protests over the publication of her book 'Dwikhandito' (Split: A Life) forced the then Left Front government to move her out of the city.

The writer also expressed disappointment over the disruption at her felicitation ceremony, saying she felt "insulted" after noted poet Joy Goswami was forced to leave the stage amid protests by a section of the audience.

Nasreen had invited Goswami to address the gathering, but loud objections from some attendees forced him to step down without speaking.

"Not only was Joy insulted, but I was also insulted because I had invited him," she said.

Recalling the incident, Nasreen said she had spoken about freedom of expression in her address and questioned the decision to prevent Goswami from speaking.

"Everyone should be allowed to speak. It is not right to stop anyone from expressing their views," she said, calling the incident contradictory to the principles of freedom of expression.