Nasreen's book 'Dwikhandito' (Split in two) was banned by the West Bengal government in 2003 for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community. Nasreen said she never left Kolkata willingly and continued to hope that she would return one day. "I never left Kolkata willingly; the then West Bengal government forced me to leave the state. "So, to return nearly 19 years later and speak publicly in the heart of Kolkata feels almost unreal. I am sincerely grateful to the present West Bengal government for the support and protection it has extended to me," she added.