Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin has concluded her 19-year return visit to Kolkata, leaving the city on Wednesday with heartfelt gratitude for its people while expressing deep anguish over being unable to return to her homeland. Although she has left Kolkata, Nasrin said she will remain in India for the time being.
Speaking about her long exile, Nasrin said she has always wanted to return home but has been prevented from doing so. "Of course I want to return. I have been living in exile for 32 years. But I am not allowed to return to Bangladesh. It's not that I don't want to go back," she said.
The author alleged that the Bangladesh government has refused to renew her Bangladeshi passport. She also claimed that despite holding a Swedish passport, she is not granted a visa to enter Bangladesh.
"My Bangladeshi passport has not been renewed, and I don't receive a visa on my Swedish passport either," Nasrin said.
Reflecting on her stay, Nasrin said Kolkata had welcomed her with warmth and affection, leaving her deeply moved. “I have wonderful memories of Kolkata. The love I received from ordinary people brought tears to my eyes," she said.
She added that she would gladly return whenever the city invites her and hinted at visiting again in October, January, or during the Kolkata International Book Fair.
Nasrin said she would remain in India because her passport renewal remains unresolved. "I loved being in Kolkata. I will come again. Since my passport has not been renewed, I will stay in India for now," she said. While she is unlikely to visit during Durga Puja, the author indicated that she hopes to return for the Kolkata Book Fair.
Taslima Nasrin arrived in Kolkata on July 31, marking her first visit to the city in 19 years. Before departing for India, she shared a social media post announcing her journey to Kolkata. Her return carries historical significance. In 2007, protests over her novel Dwikhandita triggered unrest in parts of Kolkata, eventually leading to her departure from the city. Restrictions on her stay continued under successive state governments. Her latest visit marks her first return to Kolkata in nearly two decades.
