Taslima thanks Basu, hopes to return home soon

New Delhi, Dec 25 (UNI) Controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen today expressed gratitude to CPI (M) patriarch Jyoti Basu for offering her to return to Kolkata.

''I am thankful for his greatness and concern and also saying that I am welcome in Kolkata,'' Taslima told a private channel.

''I hope I will be able to return home soon,'' she said.

Mr Basu earlier in the day had said Taslima was welcome to return to Kolkata whenever she wants. The CPM vetran had, however said the Central Government must assume the responsibility of her security.

Taslima has been kept in a safe house in New Delhi under tight security. In September this year, a movement was initiated in West Bengal by Islamic extremists and communist sympathisers demanding expulsion of Taslima from India. As a consequence, she was forced to leave the city and sought refuge in the capital.

This is the first time a Left leader has openly backed the author.

UNI