Taslima Nasrin read from her memoir, ‘Meyebela: My Bengali Childhood,’ and she discussed her beliefs on the Muslim religion which she said ultimately changed her views on Islam and its treatment of women in front of a crowd of approximately 60 people on Friday.
‘The Koran was not written by Allah, but by some selfish man for his own comfort,’ Nasrin stated.
Nasrin said she grew up with the fear of having to keep her desire for freedom and curiosity of the outside world from people. She was taught that the role of women is to stay home and learn how to cook. Despite this claim, Nasrin said she was encouraged by her father to go to medical school and pursue a career as a doctor.
‘My mom was a perfect example of an oppressed woman,’ Nasrin said. ‘My grandfather and father didn’t want her to study. They wanted her to be a good housewife.’
Because of Nasrin’s writings on feminism, religion and sexuality, Islamic fundamentalists in Bangladesh publicly assaulted her and forced her to leave the country in 1994. Nasrin said she has since been living in Sweden.
Differing interpretations of the Koran and Islam fueled discussion among audience members and Nasrin. Nasrin disagreed with the fact many Muslims feel that Islam protects women and gives them equality.
‘I don’t find any difference between Islam and Islamic fundamentalism,’ Nasrin said. ‘The Koran says men have authority over women because Allah made men superior.’
Nasrin presented a solution to the injustice of women in Islamic nations by calling for a separation of state and religion.
‘In Islamic countries we need secularism. No one should impose their faith on other people,’ she said. ‘It’s very important to have equality and fight to separate state and religion.’
After an audience member criticized Nasrin for not paying attention to the women who are making small differences in Bangladesh, Nasrin was quick to point out changes are in fact occurring within the country, but with the presence of Islamic fundamentalists, things will stay the same.
The event was organized by the Women’s Studies program and moderated by Shahla Haeri, the director of the program.
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