Taslima Nasreen praises BJP-led Centre for supporting free speech after Kolkata return

Kolkata: Exiled Bangladeshi writer and campaigner Taslima Nasreen, who has journeyed back to Kolkata following an absence of almost twenty years, stated on Sunday that she remains convinced the BJP-led administration in New Delhi champions freedom of speech, whilst drawing contrasts with her treatment under past West Bengal administrations, specifically the Left Front, the TMC, and the current governance.

Addressing a media briefing, she noted, "One government forced me to leave, another one did not allow me, and another one welcomed me. I am happy. I believe that this current government of India believes in freedom of speech."

She expressed gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for guaranteeing her personal safety throughout her stay.

"No politics was involved in my event. I must thank CM Suvendu Adhikari because he ensured my safety and security. I am yet to decide whether I will stay in Kolkata," she observed.

Nasreen's return comes nearly two decades after she was compelled to depart the capital of West Bengal in 2007 amid violent demonstrations over her literary works and autobiography Dwikhondito (Split into Two), released in 2003, marking her inaugural public trip to the metropolis since that time.

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Addressing bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh, Nasreen expressed a desire for harmonious relations while highlighting India's historical intervention during the 1971 Liberation War.

"I hope that the relationship between the two countries will be good. We always acknowledge what India did for us in 1971. But some Pakistani jihadis are against India," she remarked.

On Saturday, during a civic reception hosted by the Secular Mission, the Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation, and Poschimbonger Jonno, Nasreen stressed that shielding an author equates to defending freedom of expression.

She extended profound appreciation to the state administration and Chief Minister Adhikari for granting stringent protection and personally greeting her return, remarking, "For this one line, I have waited for many years."

"Today, I came back to Kolkata. For this one line, I have waited for many years. Thanks to the Chief Minister. Despite his busy schedule, he came and wished me on my return. Security of a writer is not just the security of a writer; it is the security of his/her freedom of speech and freedom of expression. For providing me security, I thank the government," she said.

Nasreen insisted her visit is strictly non-partisan, clarifying she returned solely to advocate for women's liberation rather than to back any political entity.

"I have not come back here for any political party or to deliver my speech for any political party. I am here to speak for women's freedom," she stated.

Reflecting on her enduring ties to the region, Nasreen noted her literary contributions to local periodicals began as early as 1978, followed by frequent travels to Kolkata through the 1980s.

"I was forced to leave Bangladesh, but I found a home here. My relationship with West Bengal is not new. In 1978, I wrote in a magazine. From 1980, I started coming to Kolkata, and in the 1990s, my book was launched here," she recalled.

Recounting her 2007 expulsion, the author added, "In 2007, the government ordered me to leave Kolkata. What was my crime? I did not murder anyone. Even Bangladesh banned me from entering the country. If you do not agree, raise your voice against it, but trying to ban someone's freedom is not right."

Chief Minister Adhikari formally greeted Nasreen during the collaborative function organised by the Secular Mission, the Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation, and Poschimbonger Jonno.

The author, who has resided in exile since 1994, had earlier disclosed that the Secular Mission—led by Osman Gani Mallik—extended the formal invitation prompting her return.

ANI