'Didn't think I could return, this govt provided me with security': Taslima Nasreen hails WB govt; returns to Kolkata after 19yrs
Kolkata, July 31
Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen on Friday said she was "very happy" to be back in Kolkata, crediting the Secular Mission Trust and the West Bengal government for providing her security to facilitate the visit after nearly 19 years.
Addressing the media during her visit, Nasreen said she never thought it would be possible to return to the city.
Speaking to ANI, Nasreen said she hoped to visit Kolkata more frequently, including during the city's book fairs and literary festivals. The author, who has lived in exile for years, said lack of security and support from other governments had kept her away.
"I am very happy because I didn't think it would ever be possible for me to come back to Kolkata. Osman Gani Mallik of Secular Mission Trust actually made it possible. I really thank him because he invited me and took the initiative to arrange security for me so that I could come back. I couldn't come to Kolkata because I didn't get security, and I didn't get any support from other governments, but this government actually provided me with security so that I could come back. So I think that it will be very good if I could come back now and then, during the Book Fair and during Lit Fest," she said.
On freedom of speech, Nasreen said freedom of expression was essential for democracy and called for the restoration of freedom of speech. She also expressed that no artist or writer should be thrown out of the country because of having different opinions.
"Freedom of expression is very important for democracy. Without freedom of expression, there is no democracy. India is a democratic country, and I think that freedom of speech must be restored. No writer or artist should be thrown out of their country because of their different opinions or ideas," she said
"I think that it's very important. So I came back, and I hope that other writers and artists could enjoy their freedom of speech," she added.
The writer and activist, who has been living in exile since 1994, had previously said she had been invited to the city by an organisation called Secular Mission, headed by Osman Gani Mallik.
Mallik, who was present at the airport along with BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, said Nasreen had been forced to leave Kolkata in 2007 and recalled the protests that followed over her memoir. Nasreen's book Dwikhondito (Split into Two) was published in 2003.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartwarming to see a writer return to the city she loves after 19 long years. Kolkata has always been a cultural hub that welcomes diverse voices. I hope she can now visit regularly during book fairs - her presence adds so much to our literary scene.
While I respect her right to free speech, I feel the government should ensure that such visits don't create unnecessary controversy or tension between communities. Security is important, but so is maintaining communal harmony. Let's hope this visit promotes dialogue, not division.
As someone following Indian politics from abroad, this is a significant moment. The contrast between how different state governments handle freedom of expression is stark. West Bengal showing that a writer can return safely is a positive signal for democratic values across India.
I'm happy for Taslima ma'am. Kolkata has always been a city of intellectuals and artists. Her comments about freedom of speech remind us that democracy thrives when all voices are heard, even the uncomfortable ones. Hope she enjoys her time here! 📚✨
Credit where it's due - the WB government facilitated this visit, but let's not forget the broader context. Taslima's exile from Kolkata in 2007 was unfortunate. While I'm glad she's back, the real test is whether such visits can happen without political point-scoring and with genuine security for all writers, regardless of their views.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.