Author Taslima Nasrin has arrived in Kolkata for her second visit to the city since the change of the state government, saying she is enjoying her time in the city and plans to return next year for the Durga Puja celebrations. Speaking to reporters, Nasrin said she particularly enjoys the festival in Kolkata and described its elaborate decorations, public installations and artistic displays as resembling a grand art exhibition. Her visit comes as the city prepares for one of its biggest annual cultural and religious celebrations. Nasrin said she would try to remain in Kolkata until Mahalaya and watch the state government's celebrations at Eden Gardens. However, she said she would not be able to stay through the main Durga Puja celebrations this year.

Several programmes and public engagements have been scheduled during her current visit, including an event at Mahajati Sadan, followed by other programmes on October 9 and 11. Nasrin said these engagements would keep her in the city for part of the period leading up to the festival. While she will leave before the main celebrations, she indicated that she intends to return to Kolkata for the festival next year. "I will certainly be here next year. I absolutely love the Puja celebrations here; it feels like a grand art exhibition," Nasrin said. Her comments reflected her appreciation for the distinctive character of Durga Puja in Kolkata, where religious observance is closely accompanied by public art, cultural programmes and community participation.

Elaborately designed pandals and idols are a major feature of the celebrations, drawing large numbers of residents and visitors to different parts of the city. For Nasrin, the visual and artistic aspects of the festival are an important part of what makes Kolkata's Puja celebrations distinctive. During her interaction with reporters, Nasrin was also asked about incidents involving the alleged vandalism of Durga idols in Bangladesh. Responding to the question, she said communal and extremist fundamentalists in Bangladesh had been involved in such incidents for years. She criticised what she described as attacks against religious and cultural symbols and called for action by the authorities. Nasrin said the Bangladesh government should take action against groups she described as radical and militant, arguing that authorities should confront organisations and individuals promoting religious extremism.

Also Read: Bangladesh Raises Durga Puja Grants, Extends Holiday And Strengthens Security

Nasrin also commented on rallies being held in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja period. She alleged that militant groups had flourished with the indulgence of successive governments and called for stronger action against them. "I want them eradicated. If the country is to be saved and made healthy and civilized, these extremist militant groups must be resisted, and action must be taken against them," she said. Her comments came in response to questions about the atmosphere surrounding Durga Puja in Bangladesh and the reported activities of groups she believes pose a threat to religious minorities and social stability. She did not provide specific details about individual incidents during her interaction with reporters.

Nasrin, a prominent Bengali-language writer, has for decades been an outspoken critic of religious fundamentalism and a supporter of secularism and women's rights. Her views have made her a controversial figure in Bangladesh, while Kolkata has remained an important part of her literary and cultural association with the Bengali-speaking world. Her latest visit brings her back to a city she has frequently spoken about with affection. Although she cannot remain in Kolkata for the full Durga Puja celebrations this year, her assurance that she will return next year places the festival at the centre of her plans for a future visit. Her remarks on Bangladesh also highlighted the continuing regional debate over religious extremism, minority rights and the protection of religious and cultural practices.

Also Read: Bangladesh Raises Durga Puja Grants, Extends Holiday And Strengthens Security