Taslima Nasreen criticises Bangladesh government over extremism

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Wednesday, 7 October, criticised the Bangladesh government for what she described as growing patronage of extremist groups. Speaking after arriving at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, she said jihadi militant groups had increased due to government support and called for them to be eliminated.

Asked about a possible visit to India by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Nasreen said the situation remained uncertain given the government's patronage of Jamaat-e-Islami and its failure to act against militants. She nevertheless expressed hope that Bangladesh would act against extremist forces and that ties with India would remain positive and friendly.

This is Nasreen's second visit to Kolkata since July. She is scheduled to attend a poetry and music programme on Thursday, 8 October, speak on literature on 11 October, and launch her children's book 'Jasmine'. She also hopes to attend the Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens on 10 October.