Professor Sultana Zaman, full name Sultana Sarwat Ara Zaman, was a luminous symbol of knowledge, compassion, and service. Celebrated as a wise educator, dedicated social reformer, and beacon of humanity, she served as an Emeritus Professor at the University of Dhaka, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations of scholars and social workers alike.
She was married to Kazi Nuruzzaman, the commander of Sector 7 during the Bangladesh Liberation War, and belonged to a family deeply engaged in cultural and intellectual pursuits. Her daughters, Lubna Mariam and Nayla Khan, are well-known figures in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape, while her granddaughter, Anusheh Anadil, shines in the field of music.
Born on 9 June 1932 in Jhenaidah District, Sultana Zaman was the fourth of eight siblings to Khan Bahadur Sirajul Islam and Rahat Ara Begum. Her family’s devotion to knowledge was reflected in her brother, Jamal Nazrul Islam, who became an internationally renowned scientist.
Her early education began in Kolkata at the Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Memorial High School. Following the Partition of India, her family moved to Chittagong. Later, she completed her Master’s in Psychology at the University of Dhaka in 1967, before pursuing further studies in the United States. At Emory University, she earned her PhD in 1975, enriching herself with international academic experience.
Yet, her identity was not confined to academia. She was a relentless advocate for social change. In 1972, she founded Deepshiksha School, offering opportunities to underprivileged children and women. She also established the Society for the Care and Education of Mentally Retarded Children, now widely recognised as SCID Bangladesh, and in 1984, she founded the Bangladesh Disabled Foundation, a testament to her lifelong humanitarian vision.
Joining the University of Dhaka as a lecturer in 1975, she opened new horizons in education. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Department of Special Education 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 dedication to education and social welfare.
Professor Zaman passed away on 22 March 2020, leaving behind an enduring legacy of compassion, knowledge, and activism. Her work continues to illuminate paths for those at society’s margins, encouraging dreams and fostering human dignity.
Life and Achievements of Professor Sultana Zaman
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | 9 June 1932, Jhenaidah District |
| Parents | Khan Bahadur Sirajul Islam & Rahat Ara Begum |
| Education | Master’s in Psychology, University of Dhaka (1967); PhD, Emory University (1975) |
| Key Institutions Founded | Deepshiksha School; SCID Bangladesh; Bangladesh Disabled Foundation |
| Academic Position | Lecturer & Emeritus Professor, University of Dhaka |
| Contributions | Inclusive education; social empowerment of women & children with disabilities |
| Awards | Begum Rokeya Award |
| Death | 22 March 2020 |
Though she is no longer with us, her light endures—manifested in every educational endeavour, humanitarian effort, and act of compassion inspired by her vision. Professor Zaman’s life remains a guiding beacon for educators, social reformers, and all those committed to a more equitable society.