West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on August 1, invited internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen to visit the state whenever she wished, assuring her of complete security and stating that protecting her was the government’s constitutional responsibility.
Addressing a literary event on anti-fundamentalism at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata, Adhikari said the state government would ensure her safety every time she visits West Bengal.
“It is my duty as the Chief Minister and also as the Minister in charge of the Police Department to provide you with security whenever you visit West Bengal,” Adhikari said during his address.
He further added, “Not just once, whenever you wish, come to West Bengal as many times as you want. You will receive complete security.”
The assurance came as Taslima Nasreen made her first public appearance in Kolkata in nearly 19 years after leaving the city in 2007 amid violent protests over her writings.
‘This is a fear-free Bengal’
Using the occasion to underline what he described as a transformation in the state’s political and social atmosphere, Adhikari said Bengal had entered a new era following the change in government.
“This is a West Bengal free from shackles and fear. Every pillar of the Constitution is protected here. Everyone has the right to come here, and everyone has the freedom to express themselves,” he said.
Welcoming Taslima Nasreen to what he called a “safe West Bengal”, the Chief Minister said her presence itself reflected that democratic values had been restored in the state.
“Today it has been proved that under the new government democracy, the Constitution, freedom of speech and fundamental rights are protected in Bengal,” he said.
Without naming any political party or previous administration directly, Adhikari contrasted the present political climate with earlier years.
“The era of threats, intimidation and attempts to silence people is over,” he said.
Symbolic return after nearly two decades
The literary event marked Taslima Nasreen’s first public appearance in Kolkata since November 2007, when she left the city following widespread protests against portions of her autobiographical work Dwikhandito (Split: A Life).
At the time, demonstrations erupted in several parts of West Bengal over the contents of the book. The then Left Front government subsequently banned the publication, citing concerns over public order.
As law and order deteriorated, Taslima Nasreen was moved out of Kolkata before eventually leaving the state.
Her return to Kolkata after nearly two decades was viewed by many attendees as a symbolic moment in the state’s literary and political landscape.
Portrait of Bankim Chandra presented
During the programme, Chief Minister Adhikari presented Taslima Nasreen with a portrait of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Referring to the significance of the occasion, he noted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the iconic national song written by Bankim Chandra.
The presentation formed part of the ceremonial welcome extended to the author during the event.
Who is Taslima Nasreen?
Taslima Nasreen is an internationally recognised Bangladeshi author, physician and human rights activist known for her writings on women’s rights, secularism and criticism of religious fundamentalism.
She left Bangladesh in 1994 after receiving repeated death threats from Islamist groups over her writings and has lived in exile ever since.
Over the years, several of her books have generated controversy in different countries, while her advocacy for freedom of expression and gender equality has earned both international recognition and criticism from conservative groups.
Despite spending long periods outside India, Kolkata has remained closely associated with her literary career, making her return to the city after 19 years particularly significant.
Freedom of expression takes centre stage
The anti-fundamentalism event focused on issues relating to secularism, democratic values and freedom of expression.
In his address, Adhikari reiterated that his government remained committed to protecting constitutional rights and ensuring that writers, artists and intellectuals could express their views without fear.
He said the presence of Taslima Nasreen at the event underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions, free speech and individual liberties.
The event concluded with renewed discussions on the importance of protecting literary freedom and encouraging open dialogue on issues relating to democracy, constitutional values and religious extremism.
