Author and activist Taslima Nasrin on Sunday sparked fresh controversy with a series of remarks on madrasas and religion while speaking to journalists at the Bangla Academy in Kolkata. Addressing reporters, Nasrin alleged that Jihadis are produced in madrasas; some of them are veritable factories for producing jihadis. Incidents of child abuse and rape occur within these institutions. Therefore, such madrasas should not exist.
She noted that, for the most part, madrasas operate without government oversight, and that children are taught to harbor hatred toward non-Muslims from a young age. Governments often compromise for the sake of votes from religious zealots, which fosters the rise of jihadis in madrasas. She argued that these allegations highlight the need for stricter government oversight of religious educational institutions.
According to Nasrin, political parties often avoid taking strict action against religious institutions because of electoral considerations, a situation she claimed contributes to the spread of religious extremism. Stressing the need for reform, she said all madrasas should come under government regulation and that the education system requires significant changes.
Nasrin further questioned the necessity of maintaining the existing madrasa system. She said many madrasa graduates do not receive education that enables them to pursue productive careers and suggested that such institutions should instead be converted into secular schools. Referring to the construction of mosques, she also stated that there was no need for such a large number of religious institutions and argued that the government should regulate them as well.
Responding to questions about her long-standing criticism of religion, Nasrin said she opposes practices in any religion that, in her opinion, discriminate against women. She stated that criticism of religious practices is essential for social reform and reiterated that her outspoken views ultimately forced her into exile from Bangladesh.
Nasrin also commented on the recent student protests in Delhi. She said she had not followed the developments closely but, based on video clips she had seen, felt they reminded her of the 2024 student movement in Bangladesh. Drawing a comparison with that movement, she claimed that what initially appeared to be a student-led campaign later took a different direction, alleging that extremist elements eventually gained influence. She cautioned that student movements do not always produce positive outcomes.
On the issue of legal reforms, Nasrin reiterated her support for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across India. She argued that a common set of civil laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion, is necessary in a modern democratic nation. Calling for “one nation, one law,” she said equal laws for all citizens would strengthen the country’s legal framework.
