TASLIMA NASRIN RETURNS TO CALCUTTA, DEMANDS GOVERNMENT ACTION AGAINST BANGLADESH FUNDAMENTALISTS

October 8, 2026

Bangladesh-born author Taslima Nasrin arrived in Calcutta on Wednesday and called for action against religious fundamentalists in Bangladesh during her latest visit to the city.

Nasrin is scheduled to remain in Calcutta for several days and will leave on October 12 after attending a programme at Mahajati Sadan, where she is expected to lend her voice to a dance performance. She said she had written a piece about the struggles faced by women throughout their lives and would read it during the programme.

The author is also scheduled to attend an event at the Maha Bodhi Society in College Square on October 12 and is expected to release two books during her stay in the city.

Speaking after her arrival, Nasrin said she wanted the Bangladeshi government to take action against what she described as fundamentalists in the country. Her comments come against the backdrop of her long-standing opposition to religious fundamentalism and her prolonged exile from Bangladesh.

Nasrin also said she would not be able to remain in Calcutta throughout the Durga Puja this year but expressed her intention to return from next year. She added that she wished to attend the Mahalaya programme at Eden Gardens, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be present along with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Governor R.N. Ravi.

The visit marks another significant return to Calcutta for Nasrin, whose relationship with the city has remained closely connected with her literary career, opposition to religious fundamentalism and long history of exile.