I'm not at all worried: Taslima told BDNEWS Friday

Dhaka, March 18 (BDNEWS) - Self-exiled Bangladeshi feminist writer Taslima Nasreen will stay at Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, for an indefinite period till the issue of her citizenship is resolved.

Taslima, a physician-turned-writer, of late, made an appeal to the central government of India seeking Indian citizenship, facing death threats from hard-line fundamental Islamic groups in her motherland, Bangladesh.

It will take time to solve the issue regarding her citizenship. Besides, she made an appeal to extend the tenure of her visa. And she will remain in Kolkata till the issue is resolved.

When contacted over the phone, Taslima, who presently residing in Kolkata, told BDNEWS that the main attraction of her staying in Kolkata permanently is to keep close with her country and mother tongue, Bangla. It would also help continue her writings.

"I'm not at all worried," she said when asked about adverse campaign against her and her books in Kolkata, adding, "India, the largest democratic country in the world, is champion of the freedom of expression.

"Controversy is not unlikely here over my writings. But for this reason, I don't see any problem in residing in India permanently," a confident Taslima added.

The date of her visa expired on February 28 this year. The Indian government, mysteriously, also kept itself mum regarding granting the citizenship to Taslima, who is also a citizen of the European Union.

She, however, is taking preparations for residing in India for an indefinite period until the issue of her citizenship is solved.

As part of this move, she renewed agreement with owner of her flat, in which she is currently staying in Kolkata.

"I'm also trying to purchase a house," Taslima told the BDNEWS.

The flat, in which she now staying at Kolkata, is always under close watch of Indian detective agencies. Besides, police personnel are also on guard of the house.

Wherever Taslima goes, armed detectives keep close eyes on her movement. Even, when she goes out to appear before the court, detectives follow her to ensure her security.

Meanwhile, Indian Islamic fundamentalist groups, including All India Minority Forum, are also vocal against Taslima. On the other hand, the progressive section of West Bengal, including writers Shib Narayan Roy, Sunil Gangapaddaya, welcomed her move to reside in Kolkata.

Taslima came up in controversy in 1993 after her first book, Lajja (Shame) was published. She had to left the country as Islamic zealots issued a death threat on her and declared a price on her head.

BDNEWS/1400 hrs