Taslima Nasrin calls for UCC across subcontinent, wants ban on madrasas
Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin has advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code across the Indian subcontinent to protect women from religious discrimination. Her comments were made during a visit to Kolkata, where she also criticized the influence of religious schools and fundamentalist groups.
Why it matters
The debate over a Uniform Civil Code is a highly contentious political issue in India, touching on secularism, religious freedom, and gender equality.
Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin on Sunday (August 2, 2026) called for all countries of the Indian subcontinent to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), arguing that this was needed to protect women from discrimination.
“Uniform Civil Code is a must. This is the first step for any civilised society,” Ms. Nasrin said, interacting with journalists in Kolkata. The Bengali writer said that she has been fighting for the UCC for the past 40 years and added that “if women come under religious laws, there is discrimination and persecution”. Delivering a speech in Kolkata on Saturday (August 1), she had said that India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan should have a uniform law for all their citizens.
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