May never return to Bangladesh: Taslima Nasrin says India is her country now
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin returned to Kolkata on Thursday after 19 years. Describing the visit as an emotional homecoming, she expressed hope that she
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin returned to Kolkata on Thursday after 19 years. Describing the visit as an emotional homecoming, she expressed hope that she would now be able to visit the city more frequently. Speaking exclusively to India Today Digital, Nasrin thanked the authorities for allowing her return and reiterated her commitment to defending freedom of expression. Nasrin had lived in Kolkata for nearly 14 years after leaving Bangladesh following the controversy surrounding her novel Lajja. Her writings, critical of religious fundamentalism and discriminatory practices in the name of religion, had sparked protests and threats, eventually forcing her to leave the city in 2007.
Read Full Story Reflecting on her return, she said she was grateful that the "door" to Kolkata had finally reopened. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the government; the door that was once closed has finally opened. I want this door to remain open so that I can come and breathe the free, open air of Bengal whenever I wish," she said. Asked whether she had earlier appealed to return during the Trinamool Congress government, Nasrin said attempts had been made but did not succeed. "We did appeal. A secular trust organisation had also tried to facilitate my return, but it was not possible then.
This time it succeeded because security arrangements were put in place," she said, adding that she hoped to attend future literary events such as the Kolkata Book Fair and other festivals. 'FREEDOM OF SPEECH MUST EXIST IN DEMOCRACY' Responding to a question about those who had forced her to leave West Bengal years ago, Nasrin stressed that the right to free expression was essential for any democracy. "If there is no freedom of speech, if books are banned, or if people are sent into exile, then the right to expression is violated. That amounts to killing democracy. Everyone who loves democracy should uphold freedom of speech," she said.
'RETURN TO BANGLADESH SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE' On the possibility of returning to Bangladesh, Nasrin said she remained pessimistic despite the political changes in the neighbouring country. "I do not think it will ever be possible to return home to Bangladesh. I do not believe I will be able to go there in this lifetime. If it happens, it would be a miracle," she said. Describing Kolkata as her home, Nasrin said she was happy to return to "this part of Bengal" and Ends
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