The story so far
Taslima Nasreen Kolkata Return
Tracked across 7 sources · Updated 3h ago
Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata on July 31, 2026, after 19 years, marking her first visit since 2007 protests over her memoir. She called it a homecoming for free speech. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari assured security, and Nasreen said her return proves injustice is not permanent.
How it unfolded
19h ago
CM assures security; Nasreen hails free speech
2d ago
Nasreen arrives in Kolkata after 19 years
3d ago
Nasreen says Bangladesh's secular space has shrunk
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen arrives in Kolkata after 19 years
Taslima Nasreen arrived in Kolkata on Friday after nearly 19 years.
She was forced to leave in 2007 over protests against her memoir.
The visit was at the invitation of the organization Secular Mission.
Nasreen said she felt 'very good' upon arrival.
Earlier · 2d ago
Full story →Space for secular thought in Bangladesh has shrunk: Exiled writer Taslima Nasreen ahead of Kolkata return
Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen said space for secular thought in Bangladesh has 'shrunk dangerously' ahead of her first public appearance in Kolkata in nearly 19 years.
Nasreen will attend a programme in Kolkata on August 1, expected to be attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay.
Her last public appearance in Kolkata was in 2007, when protests over her memoir 'Dwikhandito' forced her to leave; the book was banned by the West Bengal government in 2003.
Nasreen described her return as a 'victory for freedom of expression' and said fundamentalists failed to silence her voice despite threats and fatwas.
She thanked the organisers and the West Bengal government for facilitating the visit and providing security.