Fearless Advocate of the Bengali Language: Nafisa Kabir

Nafisa Kabir, a valiant and committed activist of the 1952 Bengali Language Movement, passed away on 7 February 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, after a long period of residence abroad. Throughout her life, she remained an unwavering champion of the Bengali language, advocating for its recognition and preservation beyond the borders of her homeland. Her courage and conviction in defending the mother tongue left an indelible mark on the cultural and intellectual history of the Bengali nation.

Born into a family with deep roots in education, literature, and cultural activism, Nafisa Kabir was the second of eight children, with five brothers and three sisters. She was the sister of the martyred intellectual Shahidullah Kaiser and the legendary filmmaker and writer Zahir Raihan, whose contributions to Bengali arts and letters remain celebrated to this day. Another brother, Zakaria Habib, was a distinguished filmmaker. Her family’s ancestral home was in Majupur village of Sonagazi Upazila in Feni district—a place that has produced several notable figures in Bangladesh’s history.

Nafisa Kabir’s father, Maulana Habibullah, served as a professor at Kolkata Alia Madrasa before becoming principal of Dhaka Alia Madrasa. Her mother, Sufia Khatun, was a devoted patron of education and cultural life. This environment of learning and social consciousness profoundly shaped Nafisa Kabir’s outlook, fostering in her both intellectual curiosity and humanitarian values.

She pursued higher education at the University of Dhaka, earning a master’s degree in Political Science. Nafisa Kabir married Dr M. A. Kabir, and together they raised a family of four daughters and one son, instilling in them the same principles of education, courtesy, and humanity that defined her own life.

Nafisa Kabir’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Bengali Language Movement, the pursuit of free thought, and the preservation of a proud familial and cultural heritage. Her tireless dedication ensured that the cause of the mother tongue was heard far and wide. As a custodian of intellectual and moral values, she leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Nafisa Kabir will always be remembered with respect, admiration, and deep affection for her extraordinary contributions to the Bengali language, her nation, and the intellectual heritage she so passionately upheld.