Taslima Nasrin announces Kolkata return after 20 years to attend literary event at Rabindra Sadan

The exiled writer shared the news through her official Facebook page, confirming that she had accepted an invitation to participate in a programme organised by Secular Mission and the Human Rights and Basic Freedom Foundation (HRBFF).

The organisers have described her as a "fiery symbol of protest against fundamentalism".

Return after nearly two decades

Nasrin has remained away from Kolkata since 2007, when widespread protests during the Left Front government led by the late Buddhadeb Bhattacharya forced her to leave the city amid security concerns.

Nearly two decades later, she is scheduled to participate in the August 1 event, which will focus on literature, poetry and resistance to religious fundamentalism.

The writer herself confirmed her participation through a post on social media, ending years of uncertainty over her return to the city.

An emotional bond with Kolkata

Nasrin has repeatedly spoken about her deep emotional connection with Kolkata, often describing it as her only home after being forced into exile from Bangladesh.

In an earlier interview, she had said, "I have no home other than Kolkata."

Although no formal prohibition prevented her from entering the city, concerns over security and strong opposition from religious fundamentalist groups repeatedly disrupted plans for her return and public appearances.

Organisers confirm the programme

One of the organisers, Mohit Roy, confirmed that Nasrin had accepted the invitation and would attend the event at Rabindra Sadan.

Speaking about the programme, Roy said, "For the past 20 years, Taslima has wanted to return to Kolkata. After being exiled from Dhaka, she accepted Kolkata as her home. However, previous governments compromised with hardline fundamentalist forces and kept her away."

"The present state government has viewed her return positively. We have therefore organised this event at Rabindra Sadan on August 1," he said.

Roy noted that the programme would include discussions on songs composed from Nasrin's poems, alongside the participation of several distinguished personalities.

"Our organisation has been associated with Taslima for many years. She was deeply moved after learning about the event and accepted our invitation warmly. This is not being organised by any political party," Roy added. "West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is expected to be present on the stage. Whether Taslima will stay permanently in Kolkata cannot be said at this moment."

Long-standing controversy

Nasrin's writings, particularly her criticism of religious fundamentalism and conservative interpretations of Islam, have generated controversy for decades.

Her works have prompted repeated protests from groups accusing her of insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

These allegations have led to demonstrations and public unrest on several occasions.

Following the violence in Kolkata in 2007, Nasrin's continued stay in the city became increasingly difficult.

Security concerns over the years

Successive governments in West Bengal, including both the Left Front and the Trinamool Congress administrations, cited concerns over law and order and the possibility of communal tension while cancelling or discouraging programmes involving Nasrin.

One notable instance occurred in 2012, when the launch of one of her books at the Kolkata Book Fair was cancelled at the last moment.

Officials consistently maintained that such decisions were taken to safeguard public order and prevent communal unrest.