In a heartfelt appeal, renowned Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has turned to India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking permission to continue living in the country she considers her second home. Nasreen, a vocal critic of religious extremism and a staunch advocate for women’s rights, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to express her anxieties. “Dear AmitShahji 🙏Namaskar. I live in India because I love this great country. It has been my 2nd home for the last 20yrs. But MHA has not been extending my residence permit since July 22. I’m so worried. I would be so grateful to you if you let me stay. Warm regards.🙏,” she wrote.
Nasreen’s plea underscores her deep connection to India and the challenges she faces as an exiled individual. Having lived in India for two decades, she has become a prominent voice on social and political issues, often facing criticism and threats for her outspokenness. Her works, including the controversial novel ‘Lajja’, which delves into the brutal persecution of Bengali Hindus in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition, have garnered both praise and controversy. The book, banned in Bangladesh, has been a bestseller globally, highlighting the power of her writing to provoke and inspire.
Nasreen’s journey has been marked by exile and constant threats. Since 1994, she has been forced to flee Bangladesh due to multiple fatwas issued against her by Islamist fundamentalists, who condemned her writings as blasphemous. She has found refuge in various countries, including Sweden, Germany, France, and the United States, before finally settling in India. However, her stay in India has not been without its challenges. In 2007, she was forced to leave West Bengal following threats and protests. She then moved to Delhi, where she was placed under house arrest for three months.
Nasreen’s latest appeal to Amit Shah highlights the precarious situation faced by exiled individuals who seek refuge and protection in a foreign land. Her case raises crucial questions about freedom of expression, the role of governments in protecting individuals from persecution, and the complexities of navigating cultural and religious differences in a globalized world. The outcome of her plea remains uncertain, but it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and the importance of providing sanctuary to those who need it most.