Lest we forget Begum Rokeya
Begum Rokeya was born on December 9 in 1880 AD and died on December 9 in 1932 AD. But the noble lady is alive in our hearts and minds because she worked all through her life to educate and reform the conservative Muslim women of that time. Rokeya fought relentlessly against ultra-conservatism, superstition, bigotry, dogmatism and fanaticism and, in her struggle, she received active supports from her brother and husband.
Rokeya’s eldest brother Ibrahim and her immediate elder sister Karimunnesa had great influence on her life. When every member of the family fell in deep asleep, her brother at dead of night sat by her to inspire to learn Bengali and English. He said: Learn Bengali and English because education has windows. Her husband Sakhawat Hossain, a Deputy Magistrate, patronized his wife in her journey to educate Muslim women, gave her all out supports, never tired of. So, when Begum Rokeya became widow, she established a school in Calcutta, which still exists, collected female students, cruising from door to door, and overcame lots of barriers coming from both the conservative Hindu and the Muslim families. But nothing could stop her determination of reforming the society she lived in.
Begum Rokeya also wrote short stories and novels. Her important works are Sultana’s Dream and Padmarag. But Rokeya never denounced Hijab (Veil), contrary to which it has been a fashion to leave it nowadays.
We are of the opinion that her life and works should be made part of the curriculum at school, college and university levels. If it is done, we shall profit ourselves. Will the government respond to our call?
Ameer Hamzah
Dhaka
