India, July 15 -- Bangladesh-born author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata on August 1, nearly 19 years after she was forced to leave the city following violent protests in 2007. The writer, who has spent years in exile due to threats linked to her writings on religious extremism and women's rights, will attend a literary event at Rabindra Sadan, a venue she considers deeply significant.

Nasrin has often described Kolkata as her second home and has repeatedly expressed her wish to return. Her upcoming visit is being seen as both a personal milestone and a symbolic moment for freedom of expression and literary dialogue. The event has been organised by groups advocating secularism and free speech, with organisers saying the invita...