Government Won't Take Special Initiative for Taslima Nasreen's Return

The government will not take any special initiative on its own to repatriate exiled feminist writer Taslima Nasrin, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman clarified on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters during a weekly regular briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday (August 4), the adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that while the administration will not proactively bring her back, Nasrin remains free to apply through established legal procedures if she wishes to return on her own accord.

"The government will not take any special initiative from its end to bring Taslima Nasrin back. However, if she wishes to return on her own initiative, she can apply by following the existing legal procedure, and the government will act according to the law," Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman stated in response to media queries.

Taslima Nasrin was forced to leave Bangladesh nearly two decades ago following widespread opposition to her controversial literary works. She subsequently lived in West Bengal and New Delhi under the shelter of the Indian government. Recently, during a public appearance in West Bengal, she expressed a desire to return to her homeland.

Addressing potential legal remedies for past persecution or harassment faced by Nasrin in Bangladesh, the information adviser noted that criminal offenses carry no statute of limitations. He emphasized that if she returns and seeks judicial protection or files complaints against alleged perpetrators, the legal system will grant her full opportunity to pursue justice through the courts.