‘Ban on Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League a move against democracy’: Taslima Nasreen

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen criticised the ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, calling it a 'move against democracy' and urged its lifting.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus banned the Awami League in May 2025 under anti-terrorism laws after Hasina resigned and fled to Delhi on August 5, 2024.

Nasreen alleged that Awami League workers were tortured and killed during Hasina's exile and expressed uncertainty about Hasina's return to Bangladesh.

Nasreen also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's principal opposition party, for opposing women's equality and seeking Sharia rule, and claimed hatred against Hindus is taught in some madrasas and mosques.

Nasreen voiced support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying she has advocated it for 40 years and that it is needed in any 'civilised country'.