Taslima Nasreen touches down in Kolkata after 18 years, says happy to return
Taslima Nasreen, exiled Bangladeshi author, arrived in Kolkata on July 31, 2026, her first visit in 18 years since being forced to leave in 2007 due to violent protests.
Nasreen landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport and said, 'I am feeling very happy. Thank you all.'
The two-day visit is for an event organized by Paschimbonger Jonno, Human Rights Beyond Frontiers, and Secular Mission; West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya plans to attend.
Nasreen, living in Delhi on a long-term residence permit, was granted a Swedish passport after fleeing Bangladesh in 1994 due to death threats over her writings, including 'Lajja'.
Samik Bhattacharya, who had urged in Parliament in 2025 for her return, welcomed the visit, while CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya criticized it, claiming she has been speaking for the BJP and RSS.
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