Exiled Author Taslima Nasreen Appeals to Amit Shah for Extended Stay in India

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has made a public appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting that her stay in India be extended. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nasreen expressed her concern, stating, “Dear Amit Shah ji, Namaskar. I live in India because I love this great country. It has been my second home for the last 20 years. However, since July 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs has not extended my residence permit. I am deeply worried. I would be grateful if you could allow me to stay. Warm regards.”

Nasreen, a vocal critic of religious extremism and a champion for women’s rights, has been living in exile since 1994 after receiving backlash from Islamist fundamentalists in Bangladesh for her writings. Her notable works, including the controversial novel *Lajja* (1993) and her autobiography *Amar Meyebela* (1998), were banned in Bangladesh due to their critical stance on communal violence and women’s rights.

After spending years in exile in countries like Sweden, Germany, and the US, Nasreen moved to Kolkata, India, in 2004 but faced physical attacks, leading to her brief house arrest in 2007. Following a period abroad, she returned to India, which she considers her second home.

Recently, Nasreen has been outspoken about the political situation in Bangladesh, expressing concerns over rising radicalism and violence against minority communities. Her appeal to the Indian government comes at a critical time as her future in the country remains uncertain.