June 20th, 2025, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad celebrated the 114th birth anniversary of its founding president, poet Sufia Kamal—a pioneering figure in the women’s liberation movement and socio-cultural activism. The event was held at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy and featured a memorial lecture, an honor ceremony, and a cultural program.
The program was presided over by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, while General Secretary Maleka Banu delivered the welcome speech. Umme Salma Begum, Organizational Secretary, moderated the event.
This year’s memorial lecture, titled “Sufia Kamal: Women’s Journey Overcoming Barriers,” was delivered by Dr. Samina Lutfa, Professor of Sociology at the University of Dhaka. Eminent artist and Emeritus Professor Rafiqun Nabi of Dhaka University was honored with the “Sufia Kamal Sommanona” award.
The event began with floral tributes to a portrait of Sufia Kamal by invited guests, award recipients, and leaders and activists of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The national anthem was performed by the organization’s members, followed by a group recitation by artists of Kanthasheelan.
Renowned Rabindra Sangeet artists Iffat Ara Dewan, A.M.M. Mahiuzzaman Chowdhury (Moyna), and Laisa Ahmed Lisa (General Secretary of Chhayanaut) performed at the event. Recitations were presented by artists of Kanthasheelan. After the memorial lecture, Rina Ahmed, Secretary of Training, Research, and Library at Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, introduced the award recipient.
Dr. Samina Lutfa highlighted Sufia Kamal’s role not just as a poet but as a fearless advocate for women’s rights. She emphasized the need to address ongoing challenges in gender equality, including digital access, poverty alleviation, ending violence, ensuring equal decision-making, and environmental justice. She called for amplifying the voices of women and marginalized communities, increasing their political representation, and creating safe workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces for all genders.
Award recipient Professor Rafiqun Nabi expressed his gratitude, recalling Sufia Kamal’s influence on his work, including the creation of his iconic character “Tokai”, inspired by social consciousness.
Dr. Fowzia Moslem, reiterated the commitment to building an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Sufia Kamal. She urged collective efforts to dismantle patriarchal structures and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War—equality, dignity, and justice.
Maleka Banu, in her welcome address, honored Sufia Kamal’s lifelong struggle against discrimination, communalism, and bigotry, while promoting progressive social change.
The event was attended by over 250 guests, including central and Dhaka City Committee leaders of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, media personnel, and cultural activists.
