6 months' tourist visa for Taslima Nasreen

Kolkata, Aug 16: Controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, whose one year residential permit expired today, was granted a six months' 'tourist visa' by the Indian government, leaving her crestfallen.

"As a tourist, I can be asked to leave any moment. My visa can not be renewed in future too. A tourist visa can be given even for three days while a residential permit can be granted for ten years also,'' she opined.

''This is a very sad news. I don't know what to say or what is the politics behind it. I have no idea except that it is a very bad news for me,'' said the 44-year-old writer, who had to leave her home land, after she angered the Islamic fundamentalists.

''I don't know whether I would be able to apply afresh for residential permit. But I will apply for one,'' she said.

''I have set up a home here and now everything is uncertain,'' said the dejected writer.

Earlier also, Taslima had applied for Indian citizenship but was denied.

West Bengal government had banned her autobiographical book, Dwikhondito, though the government had to lift the ban after she won a court battle over it.

Taslima had moved to Sweden after she drew the wrath of the fundamentalists in Bangladesh with the publication of her book "Lajja" (Shame) in 1993. She had to leave Dhaka after a "fatwa" was issued against her following the release of the book.

Taslima has been living in exile for 12 years.

UNI