Through the new Secular Rescue program, the Center for Inquiry has been able to help over a dozen secularist writers and activists escape Bangladesh, where their lives were imperiled by Islamist militants. Too many freethinkers and progressives have already been slaughtered in the streets of Bangladesh, killed by terrorist thugs for their criticism of religion, for their identification as nonbelievers, or for other dissenting political beliefs. Those brought to safety with the help of Secular Rescue can now continue their work and, more importantly, continue their lives.
One such writer was honored last week for his work and his bravery, as celebrated author Margaret Atwood bestowed the PEN International Writer of Courage award on Ahmedur Rashid Chowdhury, better known to his readers as Tutul. With Secular Rescue’s help, Tutul and his family were safely relocated to Norway after he survived one attempt on his life. It’s a true privilege for CFI to have had a role in giving Tutul the chance to accept such an honor, one that his family could be with him to enjoy.
In a piece at The Guardian, Tutul said, “I am dreaming and thinking about how I can continue my job and my work in an alternative way.” You can see that by supporting Secular Rescue, he and others like him can continue to dream and think, helping to keep the light of reason shining bright even in very dark times. You can support Secular Rescue here — and each gift to Secular Rescue will count toward the Appignani Quarter Million Dollar Challenge!
