Renowned language activist and veteran organiser of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Amena Ahmed, has passed away at the age of 90. She died on Saturday at 11:00 am while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka, leaving behind her only daughter, Ivy Rahman, alongside numerous political colleagues and well-wishers.
Amena Ahmed was the spouse of the late Professor Mozzaffar Ahmed, an adviser to the government-in-exile during the Liberation War of 1971. Throughout her life, she remained deeply engaged in political and social activism, contributing significantly to the country’s struggle for linguistic and national rights.
Her passing has drawn widespread expressions of grief and condolences from political parties and organisations, including the National Awami Party (NAP), the Communist Party, and the Chhatra Union, as well as from many individuals who admired her lifelong dedication to public service.
NAP presidium member Kazi Siddiqul Rahman stated that a state-sanctioned tribute will be held this Saturday after Maghrib prayers at her husband’s residence in Elahabad village, Debidwar Upazila, Comilla. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest beside her late husband in a solemn state funeral.
Amena Ahmed’s political and social contributions span decades. During her studies at Eden College, she was an active participant in the 1952 Language Movement, taking to the streets to demand recognition for the Bengali language. She also served as a student leader, holding the positions of Chhatra Union leader and vice president of the Eden College Student Council. Her commitment to public service continued into her later years, when she served as a reserved women’s member of parliament in 2009 and 2014. She was also the president of NAP’s central committee and a current member of its presidium executive committee.
The following table summarises key aspects of Amena Ahmed’s life and contributions:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Death | Born: 1936, Died: 2026, Age: 90 |
| Education | Eden College |
| Student Leadership | Chhatra Union leader, Eden College Student Council vice president |
| Political Career | NAP central committee president, presidium member |
| Parliamentary Service | Reserved women’s MP, 2009 & 2014 |
| Family | Husband: Professor Mozzaffar Ahmed (deceased), Daughter: Ivy Rahman |
Throughout her life, Amena Ahmed exemplified courage, leadership, and commitment to her nation. She played an instrumental role not only in the linguistic and liberation movements but also in shaping modern Bangladeshi politics. Her legacy endures as a source of inspiration for future generations dedicated to social justice, democratic values, and the preservation of cultural identity.
Her death marks the end of a remarkable era of activism, but her contributions will remain immortal in the annals of Bangladesh’s history.