Taslima Nasreen Returns to Kolkata After Two Decades

Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen arrived in Kolkata from New Delhi on Friday after nearly two decades. She stated, “I have returned not as a guest, but as a part of Bengal itself.” She has come to Kolkata to participate in a public event scheduled for the 17th of the Nepali month Saun.

Approximately twenty years ago, Taslima Nasreen was compelled to leave Kolkata following protests against her controversial book ‘Dwikhandito’. According to news agency PTI, upon her arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, she greeted the people who had come to welcome her with folded hands. She added, “I feel as if I have returned to my own country. Bengal has never been divided in my heart.” This marks Taslima Nasreen’s first public appearance in Kolkata since 2007.