Telecast of Taslima Nasreen's serial deferred indefinitely

The telecast of a Bengali serial based on exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's script has been deferred indefinitely in the wake of protests by minority religious groups in West Bengal, Aakash Aath TV channel Thursday said.

"Dusahobas" was scheduled to be screened Monday to Saturday at 10 p.m. on Aakash Aath channel, starting Thursday.

"Although Aakash Aath is willing and is ready to commence the telecast of 'Dusahobas' today at 10 p.m. as was envisaged, but due to reasons beyond the purview and control of Aakash Aath we may be forced to defer the telecast of this serial indefinitely," the channel said in a statement.

As many as 22 organisations had opposed the telecast of "Dusahobas", which according to the celebrated feminist "portrays women in strong roles, fighting against oppression and demanding their rights".

However, the religious minority groups claimed the script could "hurt the sentiments of the community".

The channel contended that the serial was based on "women's empowerment and had nothing to do with any religion or community whatsoever".

Nasreen has strongly reacted to the development and used a social networking site to vent her ire.

"To protect the bull**** 'sentiments' of Muslims, govts are taking actions against honest writers and artists, banning and censoring their works," tweeted Nasreen.