Kolkata, 14 July (H.S.): Renowned author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to West Bengal after nearly two decades to attend a cultural programme at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata on August 1, organisers announced on Tuesday.

The event is being organised by several social organisations, which said prominent personalities from different walks of life have been invited. According to the organisers, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has also been invited to attend the programme.

The organisers said the event will feature cultural performances based on Taslima Nasrin's literary works, including recitations of her poems, songs and other artistic presentations inspired by her writings.

Speaking about the programme, chief organiser Mohit Roy said there is no legal restriction on Nasrin's entry into West Bengal. He alleged that previous governments had prevented her return due to pressure from religious fundamentalist groups. Roy maintained that the event is purely cultural in nature and has no political affiliation.

He also said the state government has assured the organisers of adequate security arrangements for the author during her visit, with special measures expected to be put in place.

Representatives of the co-organising group Secular Mission also welcomed Nasrin's proposed visit. Advocate Usman Malik, associated with the organisation, wrote on X that her return to Kolkata after a long gap would be a significant moment for freedom of expression and the fight against religious extremism.

Nasrin left Kolkata in 2007 following widespread protests over her book Dwikhondito, which triggered unrest in several parts of the city. The situation became so tense that the administration sought assistance from the Army. During the Left Front government's tenure under then Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the book was banned, and Nasrin was subsequently forced to leave the city.

She was unable to return to West Bengal during the subsequent Trinamool Congress government's tenure. Her proposed visit now marks her first return to the state in nearly 20 years following the change in political leadership.

The planned visit is being viewed as significant in the context of literature, freedom of expression and the state's evolving political landscape. However, the organisers have reiterated that the programme is strictly a cultural event and should not be viewed through a political lens.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh