Top News

Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin, who has been living in exile, made her way back to Kolkata on Friday. She was forced to leave the city in 2007 following protests against her controversial autobiography 'Dwikhondito.' This marks her first public visit to the city since her departure. Upon arriving at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, she expressed her joy at returning, stating, 'I feel very good to be here.' Nasrin's return comes nearly 20 years after she left Kolkata; she had made this city her home after fleeing Bangladesh in the 1990s. In 2003, the then CPI(M)-led West Bengal government imposed a ban on her autobiography, citing allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The 63-year-old writer currently resides in Delhi on a long-term residence permit.

Participation in Anti-Fundamentalism Event Taslima Nasrin to Attend Event Against Fundamentalism

On Saturday, Nasrin is scheduled to participate in an event at Rabindra Sadan aimed at combating fundamentalism. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and renowned author Tusharendu Mukhopadhyay are also expected to attend. According to the organizers, the writer, who has faced accusations from the Bangladeshi government of defaming Islam, will recite some of her poems following a civic welcome ceremony held in her honor and will engage in a discussion.

Personal Reflections on Her Return

Previously, Nasrin described her return as an intensely personal moment. She expressed that she never wished to leave Kolkata and had to do so under pressure from the then state government. Despite changes in government over the years, she had hoped for an opportunity to return, which had not materialized until now.

Political Reactions to Nasrin's Visit Political Controversy Surrounds Nasrin's Visit

The news of Nasrin's visit has sparked political controversy in West Bengal. TMC MLA Akhruzzaman accused the author of frequently speaking against Muslims, claiming this was the sole reason for the 'double-engine government' welcoming her. However, Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul welcomed Nasrin's return, stating that despite the previous government's claims of secularism, she was never allowed to come back. Paul also alleged that under the TMC government, different communities have been used as political tools.