Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin said on Wednesday that she wants to return to Bangladesh but claimed the Bangladeshi government is preventing her from doing so by refusing to renew her passport.
Passport renewal denial blocks return home
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport before leaving the city, Nasrin said she has been living in exile for the past 32 years and has never given up hope of returning to her homeland.
I definitely want to return to Bangladesh. I have been living in exile for 32 years. It is not that I do not want to go back. But the Bangladesh government is not allowing me to return,”
she said.
Nasrin alleged that the Bangladeshi authorities have not renewed her passport and also do not issue her a visa on her Swedish passport, making it impossible for her to travel back.
Kolkata’s love leaves author deeply emotional
The author said she would remain in India for the time being because her passport renewal has not been completed.
Reflecting on her recent visit to Kolkata, Nasrin said she was overwhelmed by the affection she received from people in the city.
India stay continues amid travel uncertainty
I felt very happy to be in Kolkata. The love I received from ordinary people brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely come back whenever Kolkata calls me,
she said.
Book Fair visit planned, Puja unlikely
Nasrin added that she is likely to return to Kolkata in October or during the Kolkata Book Fair next year. She clarified that she is unlikely to visit during Durga Puja as she expects to be in another country at that time, but said she intends to attend the Kolkata Book Fair.
19 years later, Kolkata welcomed Taslima
The visit marked Nasrin’s first trip to Kolkata in 19 years. She arrived in the city on July 31 and had shared a social media post before her journey announcing her return.
Nasrin left Kolkata on Wednesday but reiterated that she hopes to visit the city again soon while continuing to express her desire to one day return to Bangladesh.
