Mahfuza Khanam, the only woman ever to serve as vice president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79.
Born on April 14, 1946, in Kolkata, Mahfuza Khanam was a distinguished educator, social activist, and valiant freedom fighter. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Dhaka University in 1966 and 1967, respectively.
In 1966–67, she was elected DUCSU vice president as a candidate of the East Pakistan Chhatra Union, making her the only woman to hold that position in the union’s history.
Throughout her career, she held several key positions, including Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, President of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, and member of the Dhaka University Senate. She also taught at various government colleges and was involved in numerous educational and social organizations.
In recognition of her significant contributions, Mahfuza Khanam was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2021, the nation’s second-highest civilian award, for her outstanding contributions to education. She was also honoured with the Begum Rokeya Padak in 2012 for her work in women’s education and socio-economic development.
She survives by her husband, renowned lawyer and former law minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed, and their three children.
Her passing marks the end of an era for women in student politics and education in Bangladesh. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication to education, women’s rights, and the nation’s liberation.