Born: 1911 (Backergunge District of Eastern Bengal and Assam)
Died: 1999
Biography:
Begum Sufia Kamal, born on 20 June 1911 in the Backergunge District of Eastern Bengal and Assam, was a prominent Bangladeshi poet, feminist leader, and political activist. She played a significant role in the Bengali nationalist movement of the 1950s and became a civil society leader in independent Bangladesh. Kamal led feminist activism and served as the president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Her contributions to society and women’s rights were immense, and her remarkable life journey remains an inspiration for generations to come.
Sufia Kamal was born into a respected family that claimed descent from Ali, the fourth Caliph of Islam. Her father, Syed Abdul Bari, left his job as a lawyer to become a Sufi ascetic when she was just seven months old, leaving her to be raised by her mother, Sabera Begum, in Shayestabad. Growing up, Kamal received education at the local maktab and later switched to home education as per cultural norms. Her mother played a crucial role in teaching her to read and write in Bengali. Through home education at the zamindar estates in Shayestabad, Kamal gained proficiency in Bengali, Arabic, and Hindustani.
In 1918, Kamal traveled to Kolkata with her mother, where she had the opportunity to meet Begum Rokeya, a pioneering feminist writer and activist. This encounter left a lasting impact on Kamal’s life and ignited her passion for women’s rights. At a young age, she began showcasing her literary talent, with her first published work, the short story Shainik Badhu, appearing in a local paper in 1923.
Kamal’s encounter with Mahatma Gandhi in 1925 further inspired her to adopt simplicity in her lifestyle. She recognized the power of words and poetry to bring about change and started writing thought-provoking and impactful poems. Her debut poem, Bashanti (Of Spring), was published in Saogat magazine in 1926. Kamal’s poetic journey received recognition when she became the first Bengali Muslim woman to be a member of the Indian Women Federation in 1931.
In 1937, Kamal released her first collection of short stories titled Keyar Kanta (Thorns of the Keya Tree). However, her literary career truly took off after the publication of her first book of poems, Sanjher Maya (Evening Enchantment), in 1938. This book garnered praise from luminaries such as Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore. Kamal’s poetic prowess touched the hearts of many and established her as a leading figure in Bengali literature.
At the age of eleven, Kamal was married to her maternal cousin, Syed Nehal Hossain. Sadly, Hossain passed away in 1932, leaving Kamal with a daughter named Amena Quahhar. In 1937, she married Kamaluddin Ahmed and settled in Barisal town. The couple went on to have two more daughters, Sultana Kamal and Saeeda Kamal, and three sons, Shahed Kamal, Shoeb Kamal, and Sajed Kamal. Tragically, Shoeb Kamal went missing during the war of liberation in 1971.
Kamal’s contributions to society expanded beyond her literary achievements. She actively participated in the political and social movements of her time. During the partition of India in 1947, she became the inaugural editor of the Begum weekly magazine, which focused on women’s issues and empowerment. She used her platform to advocate for the rights of women and marginalized communities, amplifying their voices and working towards a more equitable society.
Kamal’s political activism intensified during the Bengali nationalist movement of the 1950s. She played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the Language Movement, a significant movement that sought to establish Bengali as the official language in East Pakistan. Kamal’s dedication and perseverance made her an influential figure in the fight for linguistic and cultural rights, and she emerged as a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes.
As an ardent advocate for women’s empowerment, Kamal became the president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, the leading women’s rights organization in the country. She actively fought against discriminatory practices and worked tirelessly to uplift women’s status in society. Her work was instrumental in bringing about legislative changes, focusing on issues such as women’s inheritance rights and combating domestic violence.
Begum Sufia Kamal passed away on 20 November 1999, leaving behind an enduring legacy of empowerment and social change. Her commitment to feminism, poetry, and activism remains an inspiration for countless individuals. In recognition of her immense contributions to the nation, she became the first woman in Bangladesh to receive a state funeral.