Feature

First Dean of Dhaka University, Begum Azizun Nesa Honoured

Star Campus desk

BEGUM AZIZUN NESA, the first woman dean of Dhaka University (DU) contributed immensely in organizing, spreading and managing women education. She was actively involved in organising movement for women emancipation, empowerment, right and equal opportunities in all spheres of national life. This illustrious lady was honoured with the introduction of Begum Azizun Nesa Memorial Gold Medal in the Department of Clinical Psychology by her niece Professor Dr. Roquia Begum, former Chairperson Clinical Psychology Department, DU. The medal will be awarded every year to the student of her department with highest marks in MS. On this occasion, a function was organized at the R.C. Mazumdar Hall, DU on November 29, 2008 at 11:30am where Dr. Roquia handed over a cheque of Taka three lacs to the DU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr A.F.M. Faiz who also chaired the programme. The chief guest was National Professor and former Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Agriculture University, Mymensingh Professor Dr. A.K.M Aminul Haque. The special guests were DU Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. AFM Yousuf Haider and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Science, Professor Dr. M.Abul Bashar. Other speakers on the occasion were her family members, Dr. Mainuddin Ahmed, former professional staff of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Professor Dr. M Muniruzzaman, Vice Chancellor, Jahangirnagar University and Munsia Naureen Ahmed, Senior Lecturer, Independent University, Bangladesh.

Professor Roquia introduced Begum Azizun Nesa and narrated her illustrious educational and professional career. Apart from being the first woman dean of DU (1968), she was also the first woman to have MA (1941) from Kishoreganj District, first woman to stand first class first in BT and she was the first Joint DPI for Women Education in the Department of Education. She was a lecturer at Lady Brabourne College, Calcutta; Professor and Vice Principal, Eden Girls' College, Dhaka; Principal, Teachers' Training College for Women, Mymensingh (1954-69); Joint DPI (1969-77) and member of Public Service Commission (1977-82). She was an exceptionally meritorious student who secured first position in Lower Primary, Higher Primary and Intermediate Scholarship Examinations. She earned a Diploma (1953) and MA (1954) in Education from Arizona State University, USA. She received the National Award for education in 1966.

Professor Aminul Haque discussed on the great contribution of Azizun Nesa in women's education and emancipation and the way he saw her as an able administrator, and teacher; religious, hospitable, amiable and loving person. He recollected going to Begum Azizun Nesa's house with a huge crowd to catch a glimpse of the first woman who passed MA in Kishoreganj. She was a great inspiration to the young generation. He lamented that a lady of her stature who contributed so much to the nation received no recognition from the government or NGOs in Bangladesh. He recommended some actions to be taken to preserve and promote the achievements and ideals of this illustrious educationist.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Faiz noted that with the introduction of Begum Azizun Nesa Memorial Gold Medal, the family of Dhaka University will recollect her achievements with great honour. The special guests Professor Yousuf Haider and Professor Abul Bashar mentioned the pains and hurdles she faced from the conservative Muslim society of that time and her contribution towards education and women empowerment.

Her family members recollected with great affection, love and respect, the memories of their dear aunt/grand mother.