Freedom fighter Professor Mahfuza Khanam, an educationist and former vice president of Dhaka University Central Students' Union, died of heart attack at a hospital in Dhaka city on Tuesday.
Mahfuza was 79.
She left behind her husband, former law minister Shafique Ahmed, two sons, and a daughter to mourn her death, according to a Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha report.
Her first namaz-e-janaza was held after Asr prayers at Shafique鈥檚 residence in the Indira Road area in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Today, her body will be placed at the Central Shaheed Minar from 10:00am to 11:30am for citizens to pay their respects. Later, at 12:00 pm, her body will be taken to the DUCSU Bhaban at Dhaka University.
Her second namaz-e-janaza will be held at the DU Central Mosque after Zuhr prayers, followed by burial at the Azimpur Graveyard, her family members said.
Born in Kolkata on April 14, 1946, Mahfuza Khanam dedicated her life to teaching and social service.
As a progressive student leader during the colonial Pakistani era, she made history by becoming the first female vice-president of DUCSU in 1966鈥�67.
She actively participated in the Independence War of Bangladesh in 1971.
During her career, Mahfuza served as director general of the Directorate General of Secondary and Higher Education, general secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, principal of Manikganj Government Women鈥檚 College, president of Kendria Khelaghar Ashar, and in many other important positions.
For her contributions to women鈥檚 empowerment, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak, the country鈥檚 second-highest civilian honour and the Begum Rokeya Padak.
Political, professional, and civil society organisations, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samjtantrik Dal-Jasod, Ain o Salish Kendra, and the Bangladesh Assistant Primary Teachers鈥� Association, expressed their condolences at her death
