Exiled Bangladeshi author and human rights activist Taslima Nasreen will return to Kolkata for the first time in nearly 19 years today, marking an emotionally powerful and politically charged event. Her planned visit on August 1 has already become a political flashpoint in West Bengal as the BJP and opposition groups have been throwing jabs at each other in some circles.
Nasreen, 63, was forced to leave Kolkata in 2007 after violent protests erupted over allegations of blasphemy in her autobiographical book Dwikhandito (Divided). The then Left Front government had banned the book, citing concerns over public order. Since then, the internationally known writer has been living in Delhi under a long-term residence permit after having spent several years in exile.
Her visit is organised by three civil society groups as part of a programme against religious fundamentalism at Kolkata’s Rabindra Sadan. Nasreen will be felicitated at a civic reception and will participate in a discussion on freedom of expression, reciting poems and what people think of her.
The event is expected to draw a number of prominent personalities including West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, state Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta and noted Bengali author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay.
Return Rekindles Old Debate
Nasreen remains one of South Asia’s most controversial literary figures because she has aggressively rebuked religious extremism and advocated for women’s rights and freedom of expression.
Her novel Lajja (Shame), depicting the persecution of a Hindu family in Bangladesh following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India, was banned in Bangladesh and drew widespread controversy in the region.
The BJP has welcomed her return, portraying it as a victory for free speech.
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the author should never have been prevented from returning to Bengal.
"I had encouraged the government to bring Taslima Nasreen back to Bengal. Why should her voice be silenced? She wrote Lajja exposing the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, yet the previous Left government banned her work. We welcome her return," he said.
Opposition Raises Objections
The announcement has been criticized by opposition leaders who feel that the BJP government is politicising Nasreen's visit.
Trinamool Congress MLA Akhruzzaman said that the author has repeatedly made comments against Muslims and Islamic practices and that this was the reason why the BJP government extended such a warm welcome.
"She has spoken against the Muslim community and Islamic Shariat. If someone criticises Muslims, the double-engine government naturally honours them," he said.
Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul rejected those accusations and defended the government’s decision.
She said previous governments had failed to ensure Nasreen’s safety despite professing a commitment to secular values.
"When she wrote what she believed was the truth, she was denied security. Today, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's leadership, her return is a matter of pride for Bengal," Paul said.
Meanwhile, Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddiqui claimed that the event was being used to divert public attention from governance issues.
Siddiqui said the BJP had failed to deliver on its promises on welfare schemes, electricity prices and women’s safety and was now trying to shift the political narrative.
Symbolic Return
Nasreen's return is a symbolic victory for many supporters for freedom of expression after years of exile. But for some critics, it has become another flashpoint in Bengal’s increasingly polarised political landscape.
Because of the great interest in her appearance and the heavy security, the August 1 programme will also be closely watched for its literary significance as well as its political impact.
