Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata on Friday after nearly 19 years. She described the visit as an emotional return. Arriving before a literary event on Saturday, Taslima folded her hands and greeted the crowd that had gathered to welcome her at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying, “It feels great to be back.”
Taslima landed at Kolkata airport around 12:00 noon after returning from the UK via Delhi. She was dressed in traditional Bengali attire, a white sari with a red border, and wore a red bindi on her forehead. Before landing, she posted a photo on social media with the caption, “This morning, I left for Kolkata.”
This trip was completely private to attend a literary event.
Her visit is reportedly purely for a personal and literary purpose. She will attend a conference jointly organized by the Secular Mission and the Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation, which aims to oppose religious fundamentalism and promote independent thinking. She is expected to deliver a speech at the event, which will be held at the historic Rabindra Sadan.
It is noteworthy that in November 2007, her autobiographical book “Dwikhandito” and several other works sparked widespread controversy and protests in Kolkata. During the tenure of the then Left Front government, she had to hastily leave Kolkata, citing security reasons. Since then, she has lived primarily in Delhi.
Welcome ceremony at Rabindra Sadan, CM Suvendu Adhikari will also attend
Taslima Nasreen’s much-anticipated visit has sparked considerable discussion in literary and cultural circles. Known for her outspoken opposition to fundamentalism, the author has arrived in Kolkata after nearly two decades. A reception will be held in her honor at Rabindra Sadan on Saturday, which will be attended by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Organizers say Saturday’s event, rather than serving as a political platform, is intended to celebrate Nasreen’s lifelong opposition to religious fundamentalism and reassert the principle of freedom of expression.