Renowned Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin made an emotional return to Kolkata on Friday, marking her first public appearance in the city in 19 years. Nasrin, who has lived in exile for nearly two decades, was greeted by supporters upon her arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport from New Delhi.
“I’m feeling very good to be back. This is my city. I have always loved Kolkata, and I always wanted to come back,” Nasrin stated, describing her return as an deeply emotional experience. She emphasized her enduring connection to the region, saying, “I don’t think Bengal is divided. Bengal is one. Bangladesh is my country, and West Bengal is also my country.”
Forced Exile and Ongoing Advocacy
Nasrin initially moved to Kolkata in 2004, seeking refuge after facing death threats in Bangladesh due to her controversial writings, particularly her novel Lajja. However, her stay in the city was cut short in November 2007 when violent protests erupted over the Bengali publication of her memoir, Dwikhandito. The unrest led the then-Left Front government to remove her from the state, relocating her to Delhi under tight security before she continued her life abroad.
Recalling her departure, Nasrin reiterated, “I did not leave Kolkata on my own. I was forced to leave. My heart always remained here.” She highlighted that Kolkata had provided her with a crucial sense of belonging during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
Literary Program and Renewed Discussions
Known for her outspoken views on women's rights, secularism, and freedom of expression, Nasrin has spent more than three decades in exile, yet she continues to write in Bengali and frequently speaks about her affection for Kolkata and its vibrant literary culture.
Her visit is more than a personal journey; it is expected to reignite significant discussions on freedom of expression, censorship, and the role of exiled writers in South Asia. Nasrin is scheduled to participate in a literary program at Rabindra Sadan on August 1, where she plans to address topics such as literature, secularism, and religious fundamentalism, engaging with readers and fellow writers in the city she considers her second home.