Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin has once again stirred controversy by linking terrorism to Islam, in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. Speaking at the Delhi Literature Festival, the outspoken author of the banned novel Lajja made a sweeping statement: “Terrorism will stay so long as Islam is there.” Her remarks have triggered widespread reactions, both in support and criticism, across the political and religious spectrum in India and abroad.

Context: The Pahalgam Attack and Nasrin’s Response

On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire on a tourist convoy near Pahalgam, South Kashmir, killing 26 civilians in what has been described as the deadliest attack in the region since Pulwama (2019). As investigations continued, some eyewitnesses claimed the attackers forced victims to recite the Islamic verse "Kalma", and those who failed were shot. This alleged targeting based on religious identity shocked the nation and spurred debate on radicalisation and communal harmony.

Referencing these accounts, Nasrin drew parallels between this attack and the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery siege in Dhaka, where Muslims who could not recite Kalma were also killed. "This is what happens when faith is allowed to override reason and humanity," she remarked.

"Islam has not evolved in 1,400 years"

In her speech, Nasrin criticised Islamic orthodoxy, stating that it has remained unchanged for over a millennium. According to her, this stagnation is one of the primary causes behind radical ideologies. “Until Islam evolves, it will continue to breed terrorism,” she said.

Nasrin noted, “In Europe, churches have turned into museums. Meanwhile, Muslims are building mosques everywhere. There are already thousands, but they want more.” She claimed that the outcome of such expansionism is “the production of jihadists,” suggesting that religious institutions are being misused to promote extremism rather than community welfare.

Call to Shut Madrasas

Another major point of her speech was a call to abolish all madrasas, or Islamic religious schools. She argued that children should read all books, not just one, implying that Islamic seminaries restrict intellectual freedom and contribute to narrow ideological conditioning.

This call is bound to raise strong opposition, especially from religious groups and civil liberty organisations, who may view it as an attack on freedom of religion and educational diversity.

Uniform Civil Code and Women’s Rights

Shifting focus to women’s rights, especially in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, Nasrin expressed concern over patriarchal interpretations of religion. She said that Bangladeshi women are denied basic human rights and highlighted the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) — not just in Bangladesh, but also in India.

“Every civilised country must have a UCC. India too. I support it,” she said. According to Nasrin, religious rights must never supersede individual rights, particularly when it comes to the security and freedom of women.

She warned against blindly following religious dictates that endanger half the population, and questioned traditions and cultures that fail to provide security or dignity to women.

A Life in Exile, but Feeling at Home in India

Since 1994, Nasrin has lived in exile due to death threats and blasphemy charges in Bangladesh. She has spent years in countries such as Sweden and the United States, but she revealed that India is the only place that feels like home.

“I am a permanent resident of the United States and have lived there for 10 years, but I always felt like an outsider. It was only when I came to Kolkata that I felt at home,” she said. Although later expelled from West Bengal, she now resides in New Delhi, which she called “another home”. “This country has given me a sense of belonging that my own country could not,” she added.

Survivor Accounts Deepen Debate

The Pahalgam attack has further complicated interfaith discourse in India. If the eyewitness claims about the attackers testing victims’ religious identity prove true, it will strengthen concerns about sectarian violence and faith-based hate crimes. These events, combined with Nasrin’s polarising views, could intensify already delicate communal sensitivities.

Reactions Expected

While Nasrin’s statements are consistent with her past writings, which have often challenged Islamic fundamentalism, her comment that “terrorism will stay so long as Islam is there” is likely to be viewed by many as a sweeping generalisation. Human rights groups, secular thinkers, and moderate religious leaders are expected to strongly oppose this framing, even as some political factions may amplify her views in support of anti-terror legislation and UCC advocacy.

At the same time, those who support her may argue that introspection within faith systems is necessary for modernisation and peace. As India's socio-political landscape continues to evolve, statements like Nasrin's could influence policy discussions on religious education, counter-terrorism, and civil code reforms.

Conclusion

Taslima Nasrin has, once again, sparked a fierce ideological debate, this time in the aftermath of one of the most brutal terror attacks in recent Indian history. Her commentary on Islam, madrasas, and the need for societal reform resonates with some and outrages others. The Pahalgam incident has not only reignited concerns over religious radicalisation but has also pushed public discourse toward larger questions about faith, education, and governance in pluralistic societies like India.

As reactions pour in, it remains to be seen how Nasrin’s controversial remarks will impact public sentiment, policy framing, and international discourse on terrorism and religion.

The Current active IPO are Srigee DLM, Manoj Jewellers, Wagons Learning, Kenrik Industries.

The Closed IPOs are  Arunaya Organic, Ather Energy, Iware Supplychain Services.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.