kolkata

IIE DIGITAL: After a long gap of almost 20 years, Bangladeshi born author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata. The writer will visit the city on August 1 to attend a literary programme, marking her first public appearance in Kolkata since she left in 2007 following protests over her writings.

The event will be held at Rabindra Sadan and will focus on themes such as freedom of thought and opposition to fundamentalism. Organised by Secular Mission, Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters' Foundation (HRBFF) and Poschimbongyer Jonnyo (For West Bengal), the programme will include Taslima’s poetry recitation, a discussion on free expression and a civic reception in her honour.

Several prominent personalities are expected to attend the event. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is likely to be present at the reception along with state finance minister Swapan Dasgupta, former BJP state president Tathagata Roy and other well known figures from Bengali literary circles.

The organisers said they approached Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in June with a proposal to invite Taslima Nasrin back to Kolkata. The state government assured necessary security arrangements for the author, following which preparations for the programme began.

Taslima is expected to arrive in Kolkata a day before the event and stay in the city for two days. During her visit, she is likely to speak about her years in exile and the circumstances that led to her departure from the city.

Taslima Nasrin, who began her career as a doctor before becoming a celebrated writer, left Bangladesh in 1994 after facing threats over her writings, especially her novel Lajja, which drew controversy after its publication.

She later moved to Kolkata in 2004 after receiving permission from the Indian government to stay in the country. The city remained her home until 2007, when protests broke out over her autobiographical work Dwikhandito.

The then Left Front government banned the book citing concerns over communal tension, although the Calcutta High Court later lifted the restriction. Following violent protests in Kolkata in November 2007, Taslima was forced to leave the city. She was first taken to Jaipur and later shifted to Delhi.

Currently residing in Delhi with a long term residence permit, Taslima Nasrin’s return to Kolkata after nearly two decades is expected to be a significant moment for the author, who continues to remain closely connected with Bengali literature and culture.