Exiled Bangladeshi Author Taslima Nasreen Arrives in Kolkata, Expresses Hope for Positive India-Bangladesh Relations Amid Concerns Over Fundamentalism

PTI, Oct 7, 2026, Kolkata: Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Wednesday criticised the role of the government in her home country over what she described as growing patronage of extremist groups.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here, Nasreen said she hoped Bangladesh and India would maintain a friendly relationship.

“The jihadi militant groups have increased in Bangladesh due to the government’s patronage. If the country has to be healthy and civilised, these extremist fanatics have to be resisted. There is no other way but to eliminate them,” she said.

Asked about speculation surrounding a possible visit to India by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and its likely impact on bilateral ties, Nasreen said the situation remained uncertain.

“The way Jamaat-e-Islami is being patronised in Bangladesh and strict action is being avoided against the militants, it is not clear in which direction the relationship will go,” she said.

She, however, expressed hope that the Bangladesh government would act against extremist forces and that ties between the two neighbours would remain “positive and friendly”.

“I hope that the Bangladeshi government will take action despite this adversity and the relationship between India and Bangladesh will be positive and friendly in future,” the writer said.

Nasreen, who is on her second visit to Kolkata since July, said she was happy to be back in the city but would not be able to stay through Durga Puja this year.

“I will not be able to attend the Puja this time but will definitely come here next year. I love the Puja here very much. It feels like an art exhibition,” she said.

The physician-turned-writer is scheduled to attend a programme on Thursday, where she will recite her poetry as renowned artists will sing songs based on her poems.

The programme, “Shikol Bhangar Golpo” (stories of breaking chains), will focus on feminist poetry and songs dealing with women’s love, desires, suffering, resistance, and their right to live on their own terms.

She is also scheduled to speak on “The Boundaries of Decency and Obscenity in Literature” in Salt Lake near here on October 11. The event will also mark the launch of her English-language children’s book, “Jasmine”.

If time permits, Nasreen hopes to travel to Kolaghat to savour hilsa and visit either 19th-century polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s birthplace at Birsingha in Paschim Medinipore district, or renowned author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s home in Howrah district.

Nasreen on Wednesday further said she hoped to attend the Mahalaya programme at Eden Gardens on October 10.

“I will be here on Mahalaya and if possible, will attend the Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens,” she said.

Nasreen had come to Kolkata on July 31 after nearly 19 years.