Exiled Bangladeshi Writer Taslima Nasreen Makes Kolkata Comeback After Two Decades

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nearly two decades on Friday, calling it an emotional “homecoming” as she prepared for her first public appearance in the city since 2007. Her return for a literary programme has revived debate over free speech, religious sensitivity and the safety of writers.

Nasreen received a warm welcome at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where supporters greeted her with flowers, a traditional shawl, flower petals and conch sounds. She said returning to Kolkata felt like returning to her own country. “Bengal has never been divided in my heart by a border or a barbed wire fence. The door to the eastern part of Bengal remains closed to me, so for now, this part of Bengal is my home,” she said.

The writer is attending an anti fundamentalism literary event at Rabindra Sadan, where she is expected to recite poetry and speak about her journey as an author in exile. Organisers said the programme is about literature and freedom of expression, not politics.

Nasreen became internationally known for her writings on women’s rights, equality and social reform. Her 1993 novel “Lajja” about the persecution of a Hindu family in Bangladesh after communal violence brought her global attention but also led to threats against her.

Her troubles in Kolkata grew after her memoir “Dwikhandito” (Split in Two) was published. The West Bengal government banned the book in 2003 after complaints that some passages hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. Nasreen and her supporters criticised the move as a restriction on free expression, while authorities said it was aimed at preventing unrest.

The controversy returned in November 2007 when protests against her intensified in Kolkata. Violence broke out in parts of the city, security forces were deployed, and the then Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government asked her to leave to restore order. She was moved to Jaipur, later Delhi, and eventually settled abroad.

Nasreen said she would consider staying in Kolkata if she receives security. “If I am assured of security, I can stay here,” she said. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured her of protection during her visit.

Her return has become a political issue, with the BJP calling it a symbol of free speech, while the Left Front and Trinamool Congress maintain that her 2007 exit was a law and order decision.