Taslima Nasrin to Return to Kolkata After 19 Years for Literary Event

Acclaimed Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin will arrive in Kolkata on 1 August 2026, marking her first visit to the city since forced exile in November 2007 following violent protests over her book “Dwikhandito”. She is slated to attend an anti‑fundamentalist literary programme at Rabindra Sadan organized by groups including Secular Mission and Paschimbangar Jonno. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has been invited and is expected to be present. The state police have pledged “watertight security” for her stay. The BJP is framing the visit as a symbol of a “new Bengal” and a reversal of past capitulation to religious fundamentalism. Organiser Mohit Roy said, “It will basically be an event to celebrate her coming to the city after 20 years.” The return comes after the 2007 incident, during which army troops were deployed and the then Left Front government ordered her removal. Critics note the political backdrop, while supporters view the event as a celebration of free expression.