Taslima Nasreen attacked in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Aug 09: Renowned Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen was attacked today at a low-key function of a book release at the Press Club of Hyderabad by Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) activists. Police has arrested three MIM MLAs, including Sajjid Khan, along with some activists in connection with this incident.

It has also been reported that the organisers of the event were also attacked and have sustained injuries. MIM activists indulged in act of vandalism and broke chairs and window panes of the press conference room.

Police was called in immediately to bring the situation under control.

What is surprising is the lack of security arrangements at the Press Club for the event. However, it is yet to be known whether the organisers had put in a prior request for security cover for the author.

At present Taslima has been shifted under heavy security cover to the President’s room of the Press Club.

It seems to be a pre-planned attack by MIM activists who are demanding her to leave Hyderabad immediately.

Details of her schedule for the rest of the day are not known.

Taslima Nasreen is the writer of the famous controversial book ‘Lajja’, which refers to condition of Hindus in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government has banned the book. She has also written many other essays and novels.

Several fatwas have been issued against her and recently in March 2007 an All India Ibtehad Council, an Indian Muslim group, offered a bounty of Rs 500,000 for her beheading.

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