On Saturday (August 1, 2026), West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari extended a warm welcome to exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin, promising her security and stability in the state. Addressing the gathering at Kolkata’s Rabindra Sadan, which celebrated Ms. Nasrin’s first return to the city in 19 years, Adhikari stated, “You are most welcome to Bengal. Please come here whenever you want and as many times as you wish. Your safety is my responsibility.”
Taslima Nasrin, who fled Bangladesh in 1994 due to her controversial writings, spent many years living in Europe before moving to Kolkata. However, she left the city in November 2007 amidst rising violence triggered by groups demanding action against her over her literary works. The unrest escalated to the extent that the Army had to intervene to restore order. During this turmoil, she criticized both the Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments for restricting her return.
Arriving in Kolkata on Friday (July 31, 2026), Nasrin was greeted by a transformed political landscape. Chief Minister Adhikari emphasized that her return symbolizes a significant shift in governance, asserting, “This Bengal is free from any barriers and chains. Every single pillar of the Constitution is safe here. We all have the rightful opportunity for freedom of speech.” He presented her with a portrait of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the esteemed author of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.
Taslima Nasrin expressed her emotions poignantly, stating,
“Did I ever harm you [Kolkata]? I haven’t come for any answer today. I have come back to Kolkata with tears in my eyes and also immense love in my heart. This was my dream for the last 19 years. History remembers who shut this door. Now, history will also remember who opened this door again.”
She also conveyed her sincere appreciation to Chief Minister Adhikari for facilitating her return.
The 63-year-old author further clarified her intentions, saying,
“My gratitude is not my allegiance to any party. I have not come here for any political party. I came here to express my voice over women’s liberty and freedom of speech.”
This event marks a significant moment not only for Nasrin but also for the cultural atmosphere of West Bengal, highlighting a renewed commitment to freedom of expression and individual rights.
