Condolences pour in for Ayesha Khanam

Condolence kept pouring in for the second consecutive day yesterday at the demise of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad president and freedom fighter Ayesha Khanam.

Expressing deep shock and grief at her death, different social and non-government organisations recalled her dedication for the rights of deprived, oppressed and disenfranchised women.

A guardian of the women's movement in Bangladesh, Ayesha Khanam breathed her last early Saturday.

In a condolence message, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, "Freedom Fighter Ayesha Khanam dedicated her life to ensure gender equality and the social, political and economic empowerment of women. She was a role model for many of us working to ensure women's rights."

A brave compatriot like the late Ayesha Khanam will be truly missed, who was at the forefront of all progressive movements in Bangladesh, MJF observed.

"We pray for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and offer our condolences to the bereaved family," reads the MJF press release.

As a member of Shamajik Protirodh Committee led by Ayesha Khanam , MJF has been a longstanding partner of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad to protest and resist all kinds of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

CSO Alliance, a platform of non-governmental organisations (NGO) and civil society groups, in a press release termed her death an irreparable loss for the country.

"The way she fought for the rights of women will inspire new generations," said the release signed by Rasheda K Choudhury, convener of CSO Alliance.

Dipto Foundation said the country has lost a genuine guardian of women's movement activists and workers.

Besides, Bangladesh Peace Council expressed their condolence at her demise.

An integral part of the women's movements in Bangladesh, her message to her fellow countrywomen was to stand their own ground and develop an uncompromising attitude to have their own agency in life and society.

She was born in the village of Gabragati in Netrakona on October 18, 1947.

Former vice president of left-leaning organisation Bangladesh Chhatra Union, she was an active organiser of all progressive movements, including the 1962 student movement, 1969 mass uprising and 1971 Liberation War.