Taslima Nasreen. File | Photo Credit: Hind
The writer Taslima Nasreen can move freely anywhere in the country, the government of the Union reported a BJP deputy Bhattachary, who demanded in parliament to return to West Bengal.
In response to the parliamentary question of Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of the Environment, Forests and Climate Changes confirmed that the exiled Bangladeshi author was awarded an Indian visa of a suitable category and duration, allowing her to move anywhere in India, including Kolkata. Certainly came in a letter addressed by MEP Rajya Sabha by the Minister of the Union Kirti Vardhan Singh of 5 May 2025.
The answer is followed by Mr. Bhattachary’s intervention during zero hour in Rajya Sabha 17th March when he demanded the safe return of Mrs. Nasseen to Calcutta. “Taslima Nasreen wants to return to Calcutta. This city is like a city of life for her. She wants to build his work in Bengali,” Mr. Bhattacharya added. He also said that Mrs. Nasreen wanted to live and compile her work forever in West Bengal and should have freedom.
Mr. Singh said in his written answer: “We have taken note of your concerns … He can move freely anywhere in India in the conditions of existing rules.”
Mrs. Nasreen accused the government of West Bengal of the “violent” removal of her game Lajja from the State Theater Festivals. Lajja is one of the most popular and controversial books by the author that has triggered mixed reviews around the world.
The development assumes importance because Mrs. Nasreen has lived in exile since the mid -90s after facing the threats of Islamist groups for her open writings on the rights of women and religious extremism. She openly expressed her concerns about Islam’s extremisms, and many criticized her for her writings and opinions against religion.
Although India regularly renewed her visa, her stay was often limited to Delhi and raised debates on the freedom of movement and human rights of the author. Her long-term desire to return to Calcutta-Město, which she once called home-had a recurring problem with civil society activists and rights. Many times BJP MPs supported it, even in this problem over her game. Lok Sabha MP Sukanta Majumdar publicly expressed his support for her.
The letter of the Ministry of the Environment was also sent to officials of the Ministry of Parliamentary affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, indicating coordinated administrative monitoring.
Published – May 10, 2025 02:00
