Taslima Nasrin returns to Kolkata after 19 years
The writer, who left Kolkata in 2007 amid protests over her works, is set to attend an event against religious fundamentalism.
Highlights:
- Taslima Nasrin returns to Kolkata after nearly 2 decades
- Left Bangladesh in 1994 after threats over 'Lajja'
- Kolkata stay ended amid 2007 street protests
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin returned to Kolkata today (31 July), 19 years after leaving the city following protests by Islamist groups over her writings.
Speaking to reporters after arriving from Delhi, Taslima said, "I'm feeling very good, thank you all… thank you, everyone."
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Taslima is scheduled to attend a cultural programme against religious fundamentalism tomorrow.
The event has been organised by the Secular Mission Trust and the Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation (HRBFF). West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is also expected to attend.
Taslima went into exile from Bangladesh in 1994 after the publication of her novel "Lajja" in 1993 triggered widespread controversy and multiple fatwas against her.
After spending several years in Europe and the United States and obtaining Swedish citizenship, she settled in Kolkata, where she lived for about 14 years before leaving the city in 2007 following violent street protests.
In 2003, the then Left Front government led by chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee banned her autobiographical work "Dwikhandito" (Split in Two), which chronicled her experiences and examined the rise of religious fundamentalism.
Critics alleged the book had offended the sentiments of the Muslim community.
The Calcutta High Court overturned the ban two years later.
In 2006, an imam announced a cash reward for anyone who blackened Taslima's face.
The following year, protests by Islamist organisations against her presence in West Bengal escalated, prompting her departure from Kolkata.
