I have had fatwas issued against me, some three in Bangladesh and another five in India. I will not be cowed by these threats and shall fight for my rights.

I have lectured at the U.N. and travelled widely, giving lectures on human rights and gender inequalities in universities. But this is a life I do not wish to live. I don't want to be a showcase, I want to be in a battlefield where I can stand beside the oppressed and the poor.

Those religions that are oppressive to women are also against democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.

The fundamentalists are increasing. People, afraid to oppose those fundamentalists, shut their mouths. It is really very difficult to make people move against a sensitive issue like religion, which is the source of fundamentalism.

The tax money belongs to the taxpayers. It doesn't belong to the bureaucracy. And government is not a welfare system.

Government does not create jobs, but it can help set the table for economic growth with the right policies.

We got Defense of Marriage Act as a federal law from President Bill Clinton. And it was passed with bipartisan support.

Talent is really important in politics, but experience is also really important.