Information Minister and Broadcasting Minister Dr
Hasan Mahmud today expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of writer and
researcher Professor Panna Kaiser, former Member of Parliament and President
of Central Khelaghar Asor.
In a condolence message, he prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and
conveyed deep sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.
Panna Kaiser, wife of martyred intellectual Shahidullah Kaiser and also
mother of actress Shomi Kaiser, died at a hospital in the city today at the
age of 73.
Hasan said Panna Kaiser was a unique example of profound wisdom and vigor.
The country has lost a Liberation War researcher, writer and devoted
children’s organizer at her death, he said, adding that she will stay alive in the hearts
of people with her work.
Kaiser was born on May 25 in 1950 at her village home at Payalgacha of Barura
upazila under Cumilla district. Her family name is Saifunnahar Chowdhury.
In 1969 during the mass-upsurge movement, she married youth intellectual and
writer Shahidullah Kaiser.
On December 14, 1971, just two days before the country’s victory against
Pakistani occupational force in the great Liberation War, Shahidullah Kaiser
was picked up from his house by al-Badr forces and he never returned home.
Panna Kaiser became widow within two and half years.
She took care of the family and brought up her two offspring Shomi Kaiser and
Amitav Kaiser in the absence of her husband.
After completing post-graduation in Bengali Literature from the University of
Dhaka, she went into the teaching profession at Badrunnesa Women College.
She was a presidium member of the children’s organization ‘Khelaghar’ since
1973. In 1990, she assumed responsibility as the head of this organization.
She penned several books including ‘Muktijuddho: Aage O Pore’, ‘Mukti’,
‘Nilimai Neel’, ‘Hridoye Bangladesh’, ‘Manush’, ‘Russeller Juddhojatra’, ‘Na
Panna Na Chuni’.
Panna Kaiser was a member of parliament of the women reserved seat of the
ruling Awami League during 1996 to 2000.
She received Bangla Academy Literary Award 2021 for her significant
contribution in the research of the Liberation War.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha