Society · India
Taslima Nasrin returns to Kolkata after 19 years, sparks debate
Exiled author Taslima Nasrin returned to Kolkata after a 19-year absence, stating her return proves injustice is not permanent. She expressed concerns about rising religious extremism and curtailed freedom of speech in Bangladesh. During an event, Nasrin invited poet Joy Goswami on stage, which led to protests. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly told Nasrin to visit Kolkata as often as she wished, assuring her safety. Nasrin also advocated for a Uniform Civil Code across South Asia and called for the abolition of madrasas, labeling them 'jihadi factories'.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
Left 2 · Centre 12 · Right 3 n = 17
- Left (2): The Hindu, The Telegraph (India)
- Centre (12 votes, 14 outlets): Amar Ujala, Deccan Herald, Hindustan Times · Mint (HT Media — 1 vote), Mathrubhumi English, NDTV, Navbharat Times · The Times of India (Times Group — 1 vote), Patrika, The Free Press Journal, The Indian Express, The New Indian Express, The Print, The Tribune
- Right (3): India Today, Punjab Kesari, Republic World