Taslima Nasreen and Freedom of Speech in Bangladesh
The International Humanist and Ethical Union expresses its grave concern about the treatment of writers and editors in Bangladesh. The harassment and persecution of the humanist author Taslima Nasreen and of newspaper editors who have supported her cause, is an attempt to suppress the right to question and criticise religious belief and practice. These persecutions violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of belief and expression.
The world humanist community is deeply concerned about the safety of Taslima Nasreen in the face of the demands by fundamentalists for her arrest and public hanging. We urge the Government of Bangladesh not to sacrifice basic human rights to appease fanatic and fundamental forces. We call upon the Bangladeshi Government to withdraw the arrest warrant issued against Taslima Nasreen, to provide her with protection against possible attack, and to prosecute those individuals and groups that have called for her murder.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union also urges that the ban on the novel 'Lajja' (Shame) be withdrawn and that the freedom of the author to speak on the basis of her conscience be upheld. Tolerance of minority opinions, and the freedom to express these views, are fundamental democratic principles. The IHEU calls upon the Bangladeshi Government to defend the democratic principles of Bangladesh and to uphold the basic freedom of Taslima Nasreen and others who question the authority of religion.