Kolkata, July 31 -- Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen, who arrived in Kolkata on Friday after nearly 19 years, said that freedom of expression is essential for democracy and that no writer or artist should be forced to leave their country over their opinions or ideas.

Speaking to ANI, Nasreen said, "Freedom of expression is very important for democracy. Without freedom of expression, there is no democracy."

She further added that "India is a democratic country, and I think freedom of speech must be restored. No writer or artist should be forced to leave their country because of their different opinions or ideas."

She also expressed her happiness as she came back to Kolkata and credited the Secular Mission Trust and the We...