Not happy that 'BNP won': Exiled author Taslima Nasreen welcomes change in Bangladesh, lists 15 proposals

Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen has reacted strongly to the outcome of the general election. She said her sense of relief did not come from the BNP’s victory, but from what she described as the defeat of Islamic extremist forces. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), she accused such groups of encouraging violence, limiting women’s rights and targeting minority communities.

Her message to the new leadership

Nasreen wrote, "In this election, I am not happy because the BNP won, but because the Islamists–jihadi–terrorist group was defeated. Over the past year and a half, they displayed outrageous dominance, held rallies with hundreds of thousands of supporters, carried out mob violence day and night whenever they wished, killed and tortured whomever they wanted, set fire to Hindu homes, beat and burned Hindus to death, and did not allow even a single woman to run as a candidate for votes. Such an extremely misogynistic party insulted working women by calling them prostitutes, spoke against women’s leadership, pushed women into the darkness of burqa and niqab, viewed women as men’s slaves and sex slaves, and dreamed of enforcing anti-women Sharia law. The people did not allow Jamaat-e-Islami to come to power. That, for now, is the good news. Now, here is what I think the BNP should do:"

She then outlined a detailed 15-point set of expectations for the new government. These include revoking the July 1 charter, restoring secularism in the Constitution and removing the state religion. She called for ending religion-based family laws and introducing a Uniform Civil Code to ensure equal rights for women. She stressed the need to protect freedom of speech, human rights and the security of minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Indigenous communities.

ALSO READ | BNP heads for big win after 20 years in opposition; Tarique Rahman urges prayers over victory rallies

Secular education system

Nasreen also urged reforms in education and healthcare, advocating for a secular, science-based education system and universal access to both education and medical services. She called for lifting the ban on the Awami League, allowing its leaders to return from exile, and preventing Jamaat-e-Islami from becoming the main opposition force.

Her statement further demanded rebuilding Liberation War memorials, reconstructing the Dhanmondi 32 house, releasing imprisoned bloggers, writers and political detainees, re-arresting what she termed “jihadi terrorists,” and improving relations with India. She also said that no institution should make hijab or burqa mandatory and called for banning the burqa and niqab for security reasons.

Nasreen’s remarks have triggered strong reactions across political and social circles, adding to the ongoing debate about the direction Bangladesh should take under its new leadership. One user commented on the thread, "Now your lost nation has no option, accept the reality for get about rulers." Another replied, "I hope" in an Islamic country is wrong thinking."

ALSO READ | Who is Kim Ju Ae, Kim Jong Un’s young daughter emerging as North Korea's likely successor?

Taslima Nasrin shared previously on X, "If the BNP wins, Jamaat-e-Islami will become the main opposition for the first time in Bangladesh’s history. This happens only because the Awami League has been banned. I hope the elected government unbans the Awami League, so that the opposition comes from secular or left-leaning parties, not a religious one."

BNP seeks Sheikh Hasina’s extradition after election win

Following its decisive electoral victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reiterated its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial, PTI reported. Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party supports the diplomatic steps already taken by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry to pursue her return through legal means. He emphasised that the issue is a matter between the two governments and should be handled in line with existing laws and bilateral agreements.