Noted educationist, freedom fighter Prof Mahfuza Khanam no more

Veteran freedom fighter, educationist and former vice-president of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), Professor Mahfuza Khanam passed away on Tuesday (August 12) morning. She was 79.

Public health expert Dr. Lenin Chowdhury has confirmed the demise of Mahfuza Khanam.

According to Dr. Chowdhury, she felt unwell while swimming at the Officers’ Club on Tuesday morning. She was immediately taken to the nearby Holy Family Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. Physicians said she died of cardiac arrest.

Born in Kolkata on April 14, 1946, Mahfuza Khanam was engaged in teaching and social service throughout her life. She was elected as the vice-president of DUCSU during the 1966-67 term and was active in public life for a long time. Until recently, she served as a member of the Dhaka University Senate.

After 1966, she also participated in the Six-Point Movement announced by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was carried out to demand autonomy for the then East Pakistan.

In 2009, she was elected Secretary General of the Bangladesh Asiatic Society. During her career, she served as the Director General of the Department of Secondary and Higher Education and the 15th Principal of Manikganj Government Women's College. She received the Ekushey Padak in 2021 for her special contribution to the field of education.

In addition to the Ekushey Padak, Mahfuza Khanam received the "Begum Rokeya Padak" for women's education and socio-economic development in 2012. She received the "Ananya Top Ten 2013" award and honour on 26 August 2013. She also received the "Jaya Alokit Nari-2017" award from Bangladesh's satellite television station RTV.

Mahfuza Khanam has led several organizations including the Manikganj Samity in Dhaka, the Professional Women's Society, and the World Teachers Federation. She also served as the Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the History Academy. She has formed about 17 education welfare trusts in various educational institutions to provide financial support for education.

She married renowned lawyer and former law minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed in 1969. They have two sons and a daughter.

Her lifelong contribution to education, leadership and cultural development will be widely remembered with respect in the country's educational and social circles.