Ananya Lohia , Kolkata - Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata on Friday after more than 18 years, marking an emotional comeback to the city she was forced to leave in 2007 following violent protests over her writings. Speaking at the airport, Nasreen said she was "very happy" and never believed she would be able to return.

Currently living in Delhi on a long-term residence permit, Nasreen is visiting Kolkata for a two-day event organised by Paschimbonger Jonno, Human Rights Beyond Frontiers and Secular Mission. She said Kolkata had always held a special place in her heart and thanked the organisers for making her visit possible.

Nasreen was first forced to leave Bangladesh in 1994 after receiving death threats over her novel Lajja, and later had to leave Kolkata in 2007 after protests over her autobiographical work Dwikhandito. Reflecting on her return, she said she wanted to forget the past and was happy to return to West Bengal, calling it "the other Bengal." The visit has also sparked political reactions, with BJP leaders welcoming her return while CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya criticised the move.

Nasreen's return to Kolkata ends an 18-year absence from the city she once called home. Her visit has revived discussions on freedom of expression, exile, and the role of governments in protecting writers facing threats.