In Memory of Professor Sultana Zaman

Professor Sultana Zaman, full name Sultana Sarwat Ara Zaman, was a shining emblem of knowledge, humanity, and service. In educated circles, she was revered simultaneously as a sagacious scholar, a dedicated social reformer, and a beacon of humanistic values. Her contributions as an emeritus professor at University of Dhaka continue to be remembered with deep respect.

She was the wife of Kazi Nuruzzaman, commander of Sector 7 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Her family has been a prominent custodian of culture and knowledge—her daughters, Lubna Mariam and Nayla Khan, are well-known figures in the cultural sphere, while her granddaughter Anusheh Anadil has made a distinguished mark in music.

Born on 9 June 1932 in Jhenaidah District, she was the fourth of eight siblings. Her father, Khan Bahadur Sirajul Islam, and mother, Rahat Ara Begum, nurtured a home of learning. Among her siblings, her brother Jamal Nazrul Islam became a world-renowned scientist, reflecting the family’s deep intellectual heritage.

Her early education began in Kolkata at Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Memorial High School. Following the Partition of India, her family moved to Chittagong. She later completed her Master’s in Psychology at University of Dhaka in 1967 and pursued further studies in the United States, earning a PhD from Emory University in 1975, enriching herself in the international pool of knowledge.

However, her true identity extended beyond academia—she was a tireless advocate for social change. In 1972, she founded the “Deepshiksha School,” providing underprivileged children and women with opportunities to embrace a new life. She also established the “Society for the Care and Education of Mentally Retarded Children,” later known as “SUID Bangladesh,” dedicated to the welfare of children with disabilities. In 1984, she founded the Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation, a lasting testament to her humanitarian vision.

Joining University of Dhaka as a lecturer in 1975, she opened new horizons in the field of education. Through her relentless efforts, the Department of Special Education was established at the Institute of Education and Research in 1993—a milestone in inclusive education in Bangladesh.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to society, she was awarded the Begum Rokeya Award, honoring her lifelong commitment to education and social welfare.

Professor Sultana Zaman passed away on 22 March 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to guide those who strive for dreams, even from society’s margins. Her work, ideals, and the light of her humanity remain an enduring inspiration.

She may no longer be with us, but her light has not faded—it lives on in every humanitarian effort, every touch of education, and every act of compassion.