Professor Mrs Akhtar Imam

Our Mother, Professor Mrs Akhtar Imam, was born in old city of Dhaka on 30th of December 1917, during the British Raj and the year of the Russian revolution. Her family was conservative Muslims who valued education within the code of religion and unlike her peers, she graduated with honours in Philosophy from Bethune College, University of Calcutta (now Kolkata), India and was awarded '' Gangamoni Devi Gold Medal'' in 1937.

In spite of adverse and critical comments, particularly the conservative Muslim society, of that era failed to sway the 25 year old prematurely widowed, with three young daughters under the age of five to nurture alone, from her determined and chosen path. She remained resolute and undaunted by the enormous challenges ahead. Her indomitable courage, vision and mission propelled her towards her future development.

Self confidence, extraordinary academic talent and her determination fuelled her great height of achievements. She certainly became a legend in her lifetime due to the fruition of her enterprising and leadership talents. Very few people, across the globe, even to this day, will be able to emulate her multitasking ability and qualities

Her professional life began at Eden Girls School & College in Dhaka, initially assistant teacher to lecturer and finally Professor from mid 1940s to February 1956. The emphasis on education encouraged her to gain masters in Philosophy from Unversity of Dhaka in 1945, whilst teaching and being a devoted mother to her three young daughters.

She was awarded of the overseas scholarship, from the Muslim Education Fund, competing again men and women across undivided India (pre-1947) to pursue postgeaduate studies in the UK. The extremely generous and well deserved award was a testament to her extraordinary academic merit. As a result of which she gained her M.A in Philosophy from University of London in 1952, under the tutelage of Professor A J Ayer and Dr S V Keeling.

Very interestingly, as a devoted single parent, she ensured that her three precious daughters accompanied her to London in 1950 - they were very privileged to have experienced such exceptional opportunity. Her insatiable thirst to enhance her knowledge, she undertook work as a Research Fellow at the Department of Philosophy of University of Nottingham under Professor Hampshire between 1963 and 1965.

On 1st of March 1956 she becomes the first woman Professor and Head of the Deparment of Philosophy in the famed Dhaka College for Boys. Her fortune favored further and she was appointed by special invitation to the newly created prestigious post of the first permanent Provost of the first Women's Hall (later renamed Ruquayyah Hall) of the University of Dhaka and Reader in the Department of Philosophy from 1st September 1956.

It is noteworthy that she had already been appointed as part-time lecturer and was the first woman teacher at the same Department of Philosophy from 1953.In 1968-69 she was given the charge of head of the department. It is also noteworthy that she was the first woman head of a department and also the first woman teacher of philosophy in the University of Dhaka.

During her Educational and Administrative career she attended many international seminers, visited a host of institutions and toured many countries on invitation from UNICEF, State Department of the USA and other various governments and organizations.

Besides, she was also actively involved in organizational works, such as Pakistan Philosophical Congress. She was the first woman to be elected General President of the 15th session of the said Congress in 1968. She also served one term as its Treasurer and Secretary concurrently.

After independence of Bangladesh she helped organize Bangladesh Philosophical Society and was elected its Convener of the Presidium. She was president of the Bangladesh Lekhika Sangha (Women Writers Association) for three years and life-long President of 'Hemontika', an organization for welfare of senior women citizen of Bangladesh. Besides, she was also actively involved with many other organizations

On retirement from Educational and Administrative career, she entered another dynamic phase of life, much to the surprise of many. Her literary talents were revealed with the encouragement and support of friends, students and well-wishers. She wrote scores of essays in Bangla and English on topics of philosophy, literature and also on various social issues. 18 books were to her credit, including her memoir in three volumes.

In recognition of her achievement in life and contribution to the society as an educationist, social activist and writer Government of Bangladesh conferred upon her the prestigious national award - 'Begum Ruquayyah Padak - 2002'. Apart from this she was also honored with scores of awards and receptions and memorial publications.

Sadly on 22nd June 2009 the glow of her life was finally extinguished at the age of 92. Although physically frail towards the end, mentally she remained highly spirited, dynamic and productive; her last book was published in late 2008. She conducted herself with greatest of dignity and decorum, wit, displayed tremendous sense of humor and inspiration to others. Perhaps this was what attracted a constant stream of visitors.

Both women and men of all ages would flock to her rambling residence which was her sanctuary in Segunbagicha area of Dhaka City. She lived independently supported by a team of loyal staff. Discussions revolved around ethical and moral dilemmas such as Surrogacy and Euthanasia amongst other issues affecting the future of the fast changing world. All her life she was furiously independent which was her pride and remained so to the end.

A few years after she passed away 'Professor Akhtar Imam Foundation' was set up in 2014, which we, her daughters, initiated with the support and co-operation from her friends, students and some wonderful people she encountered later in life, to carry forward her ideals to generation after generation. The Foudation is a non-profit making and non-political body.


Dr. Nilufar Imam, Fellow Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) Scotland (FRCSEd),
Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FRCOG) , FFSRHC, eldest daughter and
 Mrs. Shahwar Sadeque, M.Phil, M.Sc, youngest daughter of Professor Mrs. Akhtar Imam .
(Both are living in the UK)