Fyzennessa, Nurun Nahar

Fyzennessa, Nurun Nahar (1932-2004) born on May 21, 1932, in Chakda, Nadia District (West Bengal), was a trailblazing figure in the fields of education, women's rights, and social activism. She is the daughter of Khan Shahib Qazi Mohammad Sadrul Ola, of Dargahi family of Panchnoor. He was Deputy Secretary, parliamentary affairs (an influential government official) a graduate from Presidency College and Begum Ratubunnesa, from a prominent family in Murshidabad. Qazi Mohammad Sadrul Ola's ancestor, Mirza Sheikh I'teshamuddin a highly enlightened man, was the first educated Indian to travel to England and France as emissary of the Mogul King Shah Alam, as encapsulated in his memoirs ‘Vilayetnama’.

Nurun Nahar Fyzennessa

Encouraged by her family’s progressive outlook, Fyzennessa's formative years were marked by a passion for cultural activities and sports, pursuits she would continue throughout her life.

Her academic journey began at Sakhawat Memorial Girls' High School in Calcutta, followed by Victoria Institution, where she completed her matriculation in 1946. After the Partition of India, her family moved to Chittagong, where she completed her Intermediate studies in 1948 and graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Chittagong Government College in 1950. In the same year, she was married to Syed Moqsud Ali, a young lecturer of Political Science at Dhaka University. Fyzennessa completed her Master's in Political Science from Dhaka University in 1952 and later pursued a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in 1959. Her academic aspirations took her abroad, and in 1968, she earned a PhD degree in Primary Education from Colorado State University.

Fyzennessa’s career as an educator and advocate was marked by numerous pioneering achievements, many of which established her as a leading figure in Bangladesh’s social and academic spheres. She began her teaching career in 1953 at Siddheswari Girls' School and later taught at Viqarunnisa Noon School. In 1959, she joined the Dhaka Teachers' Training College as a lecturer and was appointed as a faculty member at the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at Dhaka University in 1965. One of her most notable contributions was her role as the founding Principal of the Dhaka University Laboratory School in 1966, an initiative that set new standards for educational practices in Bangladesh.

Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. Fyzennessa was a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice, positions that often put her at odds with the status quo. As Provost of Rokeya Hall at Dhaka University from 1981 to 1990, she made history as the first woman to hold this role for two consecutive terms. Known for her dedication to her students, she took on a maternal role, ensuring their welfare while maintaining a strict discipline. Her efforts earned her the admiration of generations of students, many of whom remember her as a guiding force in their lives.

Fyzennessa’s pioneering role in women's rights also extended to her political engagement. In 1985-86, she became the first woman elected to the Dhaka University Syndicate, the university’s highest decision-making body. She was also elected to the Senate of Dhaka University in 1977 and later served on the Board of Governors of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre in 1986. Fyzennessa's efforts to elevate the status of women in academia and politics were groundbreaking, making her a significant figure in the feminist movement in Bangladesh.

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Fyzennessa was deeply invested in social welfare and cultural enrichment. She was one of the founder's of the Azimpur Ladies Club in the 1950s, which led to the creation of Agrani Balika Biddyalaya (School). In 1986, she established Chhaya Neer, a daycare center for the children of Dhaka University faculty, providing much-needed support for working parents. She also played a key role in establishing a cooperative shop at Dhaka University and was instrumental in erecting a memorial at Rokeya Hall and another one at a place adjacent to the Vice Chancellor's residence in honour of the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Fyzennessa's commitment to women's empowerment was central to her life’s work. She was a founding member of the Begum Rokeya Foundation, which continues to provide scholarships to deserving students. Her tireless efforts to advance the cause of women's studies at Dhaka University led to the establishment of the Department of Women’s Studies, which remains one of her most lasting legacies in the academic world. She was also an active member of the Mahila Parishad, where she served as president of its Mahanagar unit, and a key figure in the women's research organization ‘Women for Women’.

Fyzennessa's contributions to the academic and social spheres were also reflected in her published works, which include Hater Lekha Sikshan Paddhati, Ekattorer Prachchhanna Prachchhad, Kaler Samukh Bhela (editor), Children’s World of Effective Behaviour: Social and Political and Rokeyar Manosh Konnya comprising articles by 35 alumni of Rokeya Sakhawat Memorial school.

These publications highlight her dedication to education, child development, and the empowerment of women. Her untiring work and visionary leadership left a profound impact on both the educational landscape and the social fabric of Bangladesh.

Soon after the partition of 1947 the first Radio station was centred at Nazimuddin road at old Dhaka which was then the city centre. Radio played a vital role then. Dr. Fyzennessa, joined the drama circle and played the lead roles for radio plays in Bangla and English.

Soon Dr. Fyzennesssa took on the role of nurturing young talents and conducted "Khelaghar" an immensely popular radio programme way back in the mid-sixties. Children from all around ths city, gathered to perform live. As a media petsonality Dr. Fyzennessa much later would conduct the Mohila Mahfil (womens' programme) and the Shikhharthider Ashor (Students programme).

In 2019 she was awarded the prestigious Rokeya Padak (posthumous) for her contribution to women's emancipation and education.

Fyzennessa left behind her two sons, Emeritus Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb, and Zia Sayeed Arastu(Founder Konnekt Hub Ltd.) and two daughters Sadya Afreen Mallick (noted Nazrul’s songs singer, founder Gems of Nazrul and journalist) and Nazia Jabeen (Founder Sporsho Foundation and Children's Author).

Fyzennessa passed away on March 31, 2004, but her legacy endures through the institutions she founded, the countless individuals she mentored, and the enduring changes she instigated in the fields of education and women's rights. Her life stands as a testament to the power of determination, the importance of education, and the need for social justice. Fyzennessa's contributions continue to inspire new generations, solidifying her place as one of Bangladesh's most pioneering and respected figures. [Sadya Afreen Mallick]